CHEMTREC Fellows Program

CHEMTREC Fellows Program

The CHEMTREC Fellows Program is designed to elevate the voice of frontline hazardous materials responders by engaging experienced fire service hazmat leaders in a structured, collaborative advisory initiative. Fellows provide practical, field-driven insight to help strengthen hazardous materials preparedness, training, and responder safety.

The program brings together a select cohort of fire department hazmat team leaders from across the United States to identify critical gaps in training, resources, and responder readiness, while strengthening coordination between responders and industry.

Through quarterly collaboration, Fellows contribute operational perspectives, identify emerging needs, and offer constructive feedback to ensure CHEMTREC programs remain relevant, effective, and responsive to the evolving challenges faced by hazmat responders.

Program Overview

• Cohort Size: 5 Fellows
• Program Duration: 12 months (June 1, 2026 – May 30, 2027)
• Meeting Schedule:
  o    3 virtual meetings (quarterly)
  o    1 in-person meeting (CHEMTREC will cover travel expenses up to $2,250)
• Application Period: March 1 – April 30
• Target Audience: Hazardous Material Leaders (Company level through Chief Officer)

Eligibility Criteria

Fellows will be expected to actively contribute to discussions, share field experience, and help translate operational realities into actionable recommendations.

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Be an active member of a fire department 
  o    The fire department must be a local or state volunteer, career, or combination fire department.
  o    Fire Department must be in the United States and legally organized under state law. Tribal entities servicing a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that are chartered pursuant to IRA Section 17 or organized by a tribal government pursuant to a tribal code or resolution are eligible to apply.
• Currently serve as a hazmat team leader, officer, or in an equivalent leadership role
• Has contributed thought-leadership and/or best practices to the broader hazardous materials response community
• Be willing and able to:
  o    Participate in quarterly meetings (virtual and in-person)
  o    Engage in open discussion and collaborative problem-solving
• Obtain a letter of support from their AHJ or supervisor confirming:
  o    Support for participation
  o    Approval to dedicate the necessary time to program activities

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Depth and relevance of hazmat response experience
• Leadership role and ability to represent responder perspectives
• Geographic diversity of the cohort
• Demonstrated interest in improving hazmat training and responder safety
• Quality and clarity of application responses

Application Period

• 2026 Application Period: March 1 – April 30

       Apply Now 

Questions or inquiries:
Erica Fischer
Director, Training, Outreach and Partnerships 
efischer@chemtrec.com