Albany Technical College’s Fire Science Technology program chair, Frank Flanigan, has successfully completed the process that awards the professional designation of “Chief Training Officer”. The Commission on Professional Credentialing met on July 26, 2017, to confer the designation. Flanigan becomes one of only 104 CTO’s worldwide.

The Designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components, including experience, education, professional development and contributions, association memberships, community involvement, and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.
The CTO designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential. The Commission on Professional Credentialing awards the designation only after an individual successfully meets all of the organization’s stringent criteria.

Achieving this designation signifies Flanigan’s commitment to his career in the fire and emergency services. “The CTO credential represents commitment and follow-through,” said Flanigan. “I set a goal and achieved it and this credential is the pinnacle of professionalism for the fire service training officer.”
Valid for three years, maintaining this designation requires recipients to show continued growth in the areas of professional development and contributions, active association membership, and community involvement, as well as adhering to a strict code of professional conduct.

“Frank has demonstrated through his education, leadership, and management skills that he possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the training of students and firefighters,” said Don Laye, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Public Safety division at Albany Tech. “Albany Technical College congratulates and commends Frank’s dedication to the enhancement and future growth of the firefighter training program at ATC.”