For Immediate Release
Kimberly Drabik
623-773-7934 office
623-773-7294 fax
kimberly.drabik@peoriaaz.gov



 Peoria Deputy Fire Chief Larry Rooney receives Harvard Fellowship to attend the 
John F. Kennedy School of Government

April 29, 2008 -- Peoria, AZ –The Harvard Fellowship Program is considered to be one of the 
premier learning experiences in the nation. The selection process consisted of an extensive 
application process with hundreds of candidates applying.  Deputy Fire Chief Larry Rooney was 
one of twelve finalists selected to move forward to an Assessment Center/Interview process that 
took place at the US Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg 
Maryland.  He is one of eight senior fire officials selected to attend the Harvard Fellowship 
Program this summer.  The Harvard Fellowship Program is a coordinated effort between the 
USFA, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Fire Protection 
Association (NFPA) and the Fire Protection Publications/International Fire Service Training 
Association (FPP/IFSTA) whereby two fellowships are funded by each agency at a program fee 
of $10,900 per candidate.

The Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program examines the critical challenges 
facing the public sector.  It focuses on the relationships that exist between the citizens and public 
leadership, the policy challenges and the complex ethical and professional responsibilities these 
officials face on a daily basis. This three-week program is designed to assist public officials in 
refining their skills in constantly changing social, political and economic environments. 

Deputy Fire Chief Larry Rooney has served the Peoria Fire Department for 24 years.  In addition 
to being the Deputy Fire Chief, he is the Emergency Manager for the City of Peoria and is 
currently serving as the Vice President of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association.
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Serving with: Strength · Honor · Compassion