Chief,

Of course education should be considered but there are many other factors that assist in determining the right candidate. I have seen many promotional processes that focus heavily on an incident command scenario and turning up the pressure on the candidate. This is effective in determining how they can handle the pressure of an incident. However,our company officers spend the majority of their time guiding daily activities such as training and routine departmental activities. I feel that there should be a lot of focus on the character of someone who can also lead his/her crew on a daily basis. One who can set a good example and elevate those around them to achieve more and support the mission of the department. I learned in the Marine Corps the two basic directives of leadership; "Mission accomplishment and troop welfare". You cannot have one without the other. If you take of your people and lead them to the mission they will accomplish it. You have a great talent pool at your department, I just wanted to throw that out there.

B Safe,

Chris