08/26/2026
For Immediate Release
August 26, 2026
Warrensburg Fire Chief Graduates from National Fire Academy
Executive Fire Officer Program
WARRENSBURG, MO. — Warrensburg Fire Department Fire Chief Kenneth D. Jennings graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program on August 7, 2026, in Emmitsburg, MD, completing one of the nation’s premier professional development programs for senior fire and emergency services leaders.
Jennings was selected in 2024 for the EFO Program through a competitive national application process with only 125 applicants selected to participate. The Executive Fire Officer Program is an intensive two-year graduate-level professional development program administered by the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Designed for senior fire and emergency services executives, the program focuses on executive leadership, organizational management, community risk reduction, applied research, and addressing complex challenges facing fire and emergency services organizations.
Jennings’ path through the program extended beyond its normal schedule as National Fire Academy operations and scheduled coursework were affected by multiple federal government shutdowns. Despite those delays, he continued through the program’s residential coursework, independent study, applied research, and capstone requirements, graduating only four months later than originally scheduled.
A significant component of the EFO Program is the completion of a research capstone addressing a contemporary issue affecting fire and emergency services leadership. The capstone requires participants to identify a significant professional problem, examine existing research and literature, conduct original applied research, analyze the findings, and develop conclusions and recommendations that can contribute to the profession.
Jennings’ capstone research examined occupational stress among fire chiefs and the unique barriers executive fire officers may encounter when seeking peer support. Through qualitative research and interviews with active and retired fire chiefs from the United States and Canada, his research explored the confidential and political burdens associated with executive leadership, expectations surrounding strength and emotional control, professional isolation, the limitations of traditional peer networks, and the cumulative effects of prolonged executive responsibility.
“Completing the Executive Fire Officer Program has provided an opportunity to learn alongside fire service leaders from across the country while taking a much deeper look at the challenges associated with leading modern fire service organizations,” Jennings said. “The greatest value of the program is bringing those lessons back to Warrensburg and using them to strengthen our organization, develop our people, and improve the service we provide to our community.”
Jennings serves as Fire Chief for the City of Warrensburg and is responsible for the leadership and administration of the Warrensburg Fire Department. Completion of the EFO Program reflects the City’s continued emphasis on professional development, leadership development, organizational improvement, and preparing its members to meet the evolving needs of the community.
The Warrensburg Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, fire prevention, public education, emergency management, and other emergency services to the Warrensburg community. The department is committed to professional service, continuous improvement, and protecting the lives and property of those it serves.
The National Fire Academy is part of the U.S. Fire Administration and provides advanced education and professional development for fire and emergency services personnel throughout the United States.
PHOTO ATTACHED: United States Fire Administrator, Paul Matheis (left) presenting Fire Chief Kenneth Jennings (right) with his EFO diploma at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, on August 7, 2026.
