FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TO NEWS/CITY DESK EDITOR
CONTACT
Susan Schrack Wood, Director of Communications, PA Municipal League
717.645.9467 | swood@pml.org
Holli Hugendubler, Communications Manager, hhugendubler@pml.org
Britton Kosier, Communications Manager, bkosier@pml.org
First Firefighter Credentialing Program in PA Announced at the 2025 Municipal Leadership Summit
This Year’s Theme is: Celebrating Strengthening Communities
Erie, PA (October 1, 2025) – The Pennsylvania Municipal League and the Career Fire Chiefs Association are announcing a brand-new, program for firefighters across the state. The PA Fire Credentialing Program offers a new credentialing program open to all firefighters in Pennsylvania, including volunteer firefighters. This program allows for a universally accepted set of skills and standards that can transfer from city to city in Pennsylvania. This program is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.
Fire Chiefs and Association leaders Tom O’Donnell and Scott Little are thrilled with the program, “Together, PACFCA (PA Career Fire Chiefs Association) and PML are setting a new standard for leadership in the fire service — emphasizing accountability, continuous learning, and professionalism. This helps ensure that fire officers are recognized not just as responders, but as community leaders. In short, the partnership means statewide support, integration of public safety goals, and cross jurisdictional collaboration with stronger advocacy and policy influence.”
At the Municipal Leadership Summit, elected and appointed officials from municipalities across the state are exchanging ideas, forming partnerships, and gaining valuable knowledge to make local government better in Pennsylvania. The conference brings together the Pennsylvania Municipal League, The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC), and the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, and runs from today through Friday, October 3rd.
“The 2025 Municipal Leadership Summit includes a timely keynote address from a survivor of the 911 terrorist attacks on our country. Michael Hingson tells his powerful story of survival, and the many lessons learned from his experience during September 11, 2001.” said League Executive Director, John Brenner. “We give a big thanks to Erie Mayor Joseph Schember for sponsoring this speaker and making it possible for The League to bring his message to our members.” The Summit will feature a presentation about Erie’s revitalization efforts in the downtown areas.
PA Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor will be present, along with a number of other state dignitaries, offering solutions for issues of concern to local government. Timely topics on public safety, municipal finance, and community development/infrastructure will be offered during the conference, and Business Leaders Network members will present cost-savings strategies for local government operations, as well as ideas for community-business partnerships and corporate social responsibility projects.
“Our closing keynote speaker, the CEO of the national non-profit group KaBOOM! will focus on the important and
meaningful role of local officials and the corporate community working together to build safe play spaces in our communities.” said Brenner, “Since 2010 KaBOOM! has partnered with the League to build new playgrounds throughout the Commonwealth.”
New Program Announced
The League also unveiled its new League Learning Academy, which offers trainings, classes, and certifications in administration, finance, grant writing, and other issues relevant to local government. League Director of Training, Candice Heyward says there is training for every municipal position. “Whether you are a secretary, supervisor, manager, codes official, mayor, or anything in between, the League Learning Academy can help you meet your professional development needs. This program aims to foster strong, informed leadership that drives positive, lasting change. I am excited to watch this program grow and I have confidence that it will prove to be a meaningful and successful initiative for many years to come.”
Officials taking part in the Municipal Leadership Summit will share resources and innovative ideas. In addition to networking opportunities, this year’s agenda includes sessions on Women in Local Government, The AI Evolution in Public Service, Solutions to Homelessness, and EMS Regionalization. The full agenda can be accessed our website and media center, where you can find additional quotes regarding the Summit’s programs.
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About The Pennsylvania Municipal League
The Pennsylvania Municipal League strengthens and empowers effective local government through advocacy, education, and support for our members. The League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that offers a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy, publications, education/training, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts. For more about the Pennsylvania Municipal League, please visit PML.org. Join the conversation on X, facebook.com/PaMunicipalLeague and LinkedIn. #StrengthThroughEngagement
About The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners
The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC) represents Pennsylvania’s first class townships and their elected governing officials before the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the commonwealth’s various agencies. PSATC was founded in 1925 to distinguish itself from the second class townships which are much larger in number. First class townships are generally regarded as the “urban ring” around Pennsylvania’s cities. Many of our first class townships face issues similar to those of our commonwealth’s cities and urban boroughs, thereby making the association’s affiliation with the Pennsylvania Municipal League a natural fit. The League has been providing advocacy services to the PSATC for 41 years. For more information, please visit firstclasstownshippa.org.