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Leadership for First Responders Course

Driving results: leadership in action 

Effective leadership in fire, EMS, and law enforcement goes beyond emergency response. Blanchard’s Leadership for First Responders course, developed with input from first responder leaders nationwide, equips participants with the skills to inspire, support, and strengthen their team members.

Designed for emerging as well as frontline leaders, this course teaches how to build trust, set clear goals, and coach others to success. Grounded in proven leadership models like Building Trust and SLII®, participants gain practical strategies to set clear goals, adapt their leadership approach, and drive high performance across their agency.

Investing in leadership development strengthens teams, improves retention, and builds deeper trust within units and the communities they serve.

Course Outcomes

Empower first responders who can navigate challenges effectively while building stronger, more connected teams and communities.

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Build Trust and Cohesion

Clear, open communication strengthens relationships, creating a culture of trust, teamwork, and collaboration.
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Enhance Community Confidence

Seamless cross-departmental collaboration sparks innovation, increases efficiency, and builds stronger community connections.
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Improve Adaptability of Leaders

Agile leaders embrace change with confidence, guiding teams through uncertainty while fostering growth and resilience.
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Increase Retention and Performance

Aligned, engaged teams perform at their best, driving results, ownership, and long-term success.
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Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Use strategies to build, restore, and sustain trust
  • Recognize behaviors that strengthen trust or undermine it
  • Set clear, motivating goals for team growth
  • Adapt leadership approach to support individual development
  • Have honest, productive conversations that drive progress
  • Accurately diagnose others’ development levels for each goal and ensure alignment
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Course Details

Leadership for First Responders is an eight-week virtual program of fourteen live, instructor-led sessions designed to fit the demanding schedules of first responders. Each session lasts approximately one hour, with time for Q&A and discussion. 

  • Week 1: Course Launch and Leadership Foundations
  • Weeks 2–3: Building Trust and Restoring It – Learn & Apply
  • Weeks 4–7: SLII® — Learn & Apply
  • Week 8: Leadership Activation and Course Wrap-Up
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Who Should Attend

This course is designed for firefighters, EMS providers, law enforcement personnel, and other public safety personnel who serve as:

  • Supervisors and team leaders
  • Frontline leaders
  • Aspiring leaders
A good leader will help change your performance, but a great leader will change your life. Take this class. It is a valuable use of your time and energy.
Bobby Waidler, Sergeant Denver Police Department

Upcoming Leadership for First Responder Public Courses

  • United States | Virtual

    Jul 8 - Aug 26, 2025
    English
    Virtual
    $595 USD/$860 CAD + tax
    Register

  • United States | Virtual

    Sep 29 - Nov 18, 2025
    English
    Virtual
    $595 USD/$860 CAD + tax
    Register
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