JACKSON — Vicksburg Fire Chief Craig Danczyk was among the fire chiefs and senior fire officers from Mississippi who graduated Thursday from the Mississippi Executive Fire Officer program at the Mississippi State Fire Academy.

The program is an advanced course designed for managers in the fire service.

This course provides senior officers and others in key leadership roles with an understanding of advanced fire service management and administrative skills as well as the ability to conduct research, analyze data and develop solutions to complex issues.

This program, which is a joint initiative between the Mississippi State Fire Academy and Meridian Community College’s Emergency Services Degree program, lasts one year and includes four, three-day sessions at the Mississippi State Fire Academy.

Completion of the program accredits the participant to the National Fire Protection Association Fire Officer Levels III-IV. The participant also receives six associate degree credits to be used towards an Associate of Allied Science degree in Fire Protection Technology.

The Mississippi State Fire Academy is a division of the Mississippi Insurance Department.

Commissioner Mike Chaney and State Fire Academy Executive Director Terry Wages said fire officers who successfully complete this program represent a level of professionalism and achievement on which they can build strong careers.

The Academy was created for the purpose of training and education of people engaged in municipal, county and industrial fire protection.