09/10/2026
A VERY PROUD DAY FOR CENTRAL VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT
Today, I want to recognize an accomplishment that means a great deal to me personally and to Central Valley Fire District.
Fire Marshal Jake A. Zlomie has successfully completed the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program.
Jake is the first member of our current CVFD staff to graduate from the EFO Program, and I could not be more proud of him.
The EFO Program, conducted through the U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Academy, is a nationally recognized, competitive, multi-year executive leadership program designed for senior-level fire and EMS leaders. It challenges participants to look beyond the day-to-day operations of the fire service and examine leadership, organizational strategy, community relationships, resiliency, and the future of their organizations.
The program includes four intensive resident courses:
• Executive Leadership: Self – understanding leadership and the relationship between the individual, organization and community.
• Executive Leadership: Organization – strategic analysis, organizational needs, growth, and sustainability.
• Executive Leadership: Community – understanding community culture, building trust, and creating inclusive community success.
• Capstone II – applying executive leadership through measurable action and demonstrating the ability to serve as a change agent.
Jake also completed the required Capstone Research Paper, which requires EFO students to examine an important strategic issue facing their organization and community.
That is a tremendous commitment of time, energy and personal dedication.
As a Fire Chief, one of the things I am most proud of is seeing members of our organization continue to grow—not simply in rank or responsibility, but as leaders.
Jake's accomplishment represents exactly the kind of professional development and leadership we want to encourage at CVFD. His achievement strengthens not only Jake, but our entire organization and ultimately the communities we serve.
The National Fire Academy notes that EFO participants come from career and volunteer organizations across the country and become enhanced decision makers and innovative collaborators. That national perspective and experience will continue to benefit Jake, CVFD, and the greater Gallatin Valley.
Jake, congratulations on an outstanding accomplishment.
You have earned this.
I am proud to call you a member of the Central Valley Fire District team, and I am especially proud that you are the first of our current staff to earn the EFO designation.
Well done, Jake. We are proud of you!
🚒 Central Valley Fire District
Leadership. Service. Community.