In 2,500 words, or less, write an essay about how a company officer can exhibit exceptional leadership.

A thought leadership essay competition has never been held before for the US & Canadian fire service. This is even more true where the first, second and third place winners will be recognized for excellence in writing and thought with cash awards of $3000, $2000 and $1000. Essays will be judged anonymously by a blue-ribbon panel of nine fire service leaders.

The announcement of the first Darley Leadership Essay Competition is attached. This first essay competition is focused on the company officer, arguably one of the most important leadership positions in the fire service.

The most common approach for thought leadership articles would have articles written and published by Chiefs or Chief Fire Officers. But individuals within various functions and at all levels of a fire department can provide unique perspectives and deliver insightful solutions regardless of their rank or length of service.

This is an open competition to anyone in the fire service. Essays should inform, educate, reinforce, or challenge and, perhaps more importantly, help readers in their thoughtful decision-making processes.

Entries accepted through April 30, 2022.

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