More than 2,500 fire service professionals worldwide have completed the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute (EDI) since 1991–and now Chattanooga Fire Department’s Assistant Chief William Andrews has joined their ranks.
Andrews recently graduated from the prestigious five-year leadership program, marking a significant milestone in his career as Training Chief for the department. The rigorous EDI program develops fire service leaders from around the globe, preparing them for executive-level responsibilities in emergency services.
EDI is recognized as one of the nation’s largest and most renowned organizations dedicated to advancing fire service leadership. The program focuses on developing management skills and leadership potential among fire service professionals, with curriculum covering critical areas such as fire department budgets, community-based fire and EMS programs, media relations, and fire personnel management.
The program’s motto, “All that I am I owe. I live eternally in the red,” reflects its commitment to service and professional development.
As Training Chief, Andrews oversees a comprehensive instruction program that prepares Chattanooga firefighters for state certifications including Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials operations, Firefighter levels 1 and 2, and various apparatus management. The Training Division is known throughout Tennessee for its diversity and expertise across multiple emergency response disciplines.
The institute honors the legacy of Dr. Carl G. Holmes (Jan. 6, 1927-Nov. 24, 2017), a pioneering figure in American fire service who was one of the first 12 African American firefighters hired by the Oklahoma City Fire Department in 1951. Despite facing significant challenges due to racism and discrimination, Holmes rose through the ranks to become Assistant Fire Chief, eventually founding EDI to develop leadership skills among minority firefighters.
Holmes’ impact extended far beyond Oklahoma City. He served on National Fire Protection Association committees, helped establish national training standards for firefighters, and was sought after by major cities including Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles for fire chief positions.
The EDI program has been hosted at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Florida A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, and its current location at Dillard University in New Orleans. The program has served participants from across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.
Chief Andrews’ completion of the program enhances his ability to lead the Chattanooga Fire Department’s training initiatives, which extend beyond department personnel to include partnerships with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Hamilton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC ), Boy Scouts of America, and other local organizations.
The EDI’s mission encompasses providing safe training environments; maintaining compliance with local, state and federal guidelines; and ensuring all participants receive career development opportunities through state-approved certification programs. EDI graduates across the country now serve in high-ranking positions throughout the fire service, with many crediting the program as instrumental to their professional success. Chief Andrews’ graduation represents not only a personal achievement but also an investment in the continued excellence of fire service leadership in Chattanooga and beyond.