Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome honored Assistant Chief Brian Boutwell at the January 10, City Council meeting. On December 12, 2018, Boutwell completed the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy’s (NFA) “Executive Fire Officer Program” (EFO) Program. Chief Boutwell is the first member of the Valdosta Fire Department to complete the EFO program. The National Fire Academy’s (NFA) Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO) is a four-year curriculum that provides Senior Fire Officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) administration. The courses and accompanying research examine how to exercise leadership when dealing with severe or unique problems within communities.