For Immediate Release: August 15, 2023

Alexandria Fire Department’s Lieutenant Rick Muse, Jr., successfully completed the international designation process through the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC), receiving the Fire Officer designation. Lieutenant Muse becomes one of only 672 FOs 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, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competence. Additionally, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan. The FO designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credentials. CPC awards the designations only after an individual successfully meets all the organization’s criteria. The professional designation is valid for three years. Maintaining the designation requires recipients show continued professional development and community involvement, as well as adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.

“The Alexandria Fire Department is excited about Lieutenant Muse’s recent accomplishment and the continued professional growth of our workforce,” said Fire/EMS Chief Corey Smedley. “As we make efforts to be more innovative and fiscally responsible when providing equitable services to the Alexandria community, the professional development of our employees will provide a significant contribution to our success and help us achieve our goal of becoming an accredited agency.”

Lieutenant Muse joined the Alexandria Fire Department more than 15 years ago, serving in multiple roles including Recruit School Assistant Instructor, Community Outreach Coordinator, Public Information Officer and Recruiter. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University. In 2018, Lieutenant Muse received the John Davis Firefighter Award and the Fire Chief’s George Petty Award for Excellence in 2019. He is also a two-time Valor Award recipient (2010 and 2011) and a 2016 Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 Honoree.  

For media inquiries only, contact Raytevia Evans, Senior Public Information Officer, at raytevia.evans@alexandriava.gov or (703) 746-5190.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4854.