Naperville Fire Chief Receives Chief Fire Officer Designation for Third Time

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis has been designated as a Chief Fire Officer for the third time. Puknaitis joins an elite group of only 1,175 CFOs worldwide, according to a city news release.

The CFO 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 competencies. Chief Puknaitis received his original designation in 2010.

A Board of Review consisting of members of the fire and emergency services profession, academia and municipal agencies review each application and recommends successful candidates for designation to the Commission on Professional Credentialing. Chief Puknaitis demonstrated through his education, leadership and management skills that he possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities required for the fire and emergency services profession.

“It is an honor to be re-designated as a CFO,” Chief Puknaitis said. “As the leader of a world-class, accredited fire agency, it is important to make sure I continually refine my skills and abilities to reflect Naperville’s values and policies and ensure our department provides the service our community expects.”

This professional honor is valid for three years. Maintaining the designation requires recipients to show continued growth in the areas of professional development, professional contributions, active association membership and community involvement.

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