Flagler County Fire Rescue Captain Tony Guerin has graduated from the Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI), a two-year program sponsored and hosted by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. The graduation was announced on May 11, 2026.
The ESLI program is designed specifically for mid-level through chief fire officers and focuses on the leadership challenges facing today’s fire and emergency services agencies. Participants are required to complete six of seven available areas of study, which cover topics such as human resources and labor relations, personal qualities and leadership, government relations and public policy, marketing fire and emergency medical services, finance and budgeting, emergency management, and community risk reduction.
Guerin said the experience gave him practical tools he is ready to apply. “I had a fantastic experience learning from experts in this targeted program,” Guerin said. “It has equipped me with new skills that I’m excited to bring to the table.”
Beyond the diploma itself, completing the ESLI opens additional professional doors. Graduates can apply coursework toward Fire Officer 3 and Fire Officer 4 certifications issued by the State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire Standards and Training — credentials that represent advanced levels of professional recognition within the fire service.
Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker praised Guerin’s commitment to his own professional development. “The commitment of Captain Guerin to professional growth and servant leadership strengthens our organization and the service we provide our community,” Tucker said. “His ESLI achievement reflects the high standards we set for our leadership team and the investment we make in developing our team.”
More information about the Emergency Services Leadership Institute and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association is available at ffca.org.
