A Suffolk Fire and Rescue battalion chief recently completed a prestigious national training program designed to provide senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire administration.

Battalion Chief Franklin Theodore Adams completed the Executive Fire Officer Program through the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy. The four-year program is administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

During the program, Adams studied topics including executive development, community risk reduction, fire service operations in emergency management and executive leadership.

Adams, a 24-year veteran of Suffolk Fire and Rescue, said just being accepted to the program was a privilege.

“That was the first challenge,” he said. “The second was actually completing it. I couldn’t have done it without support from my family and co-workers.”

Not only was Adams fulfilling the course requirements while working full-time, he also was being a father and husband at home.

“Completing the course is an important step in achieving my goal to be a leader in the fire service,” Adams said.

“I am very proud of Battalion Chief Adams for his accomplishment,” Fire Chief Mark Outlaw said. “He is a dedicated and respected leader that always encourages others to better themselves through education and training. The EFO program has provided him additional tools to further enhance services to our city.”