Wall Township Fire Chief Graduates from National Fire Academy EFO Program

Wall Township, N.J. — November 6 — Chief Christopher Tamayo of Wall Township Fire District No. 3 graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program on October 23, 2026, completing an advanced professional development program focused on leadership and organizational management.

According to South Wall Fire Rescue, Tamayo was one of two New Jersey fire-service leaders to graduate from the program in 2026 and became the 57th person from the state to earn the distinction.

The EFO Program prepares senior fire and emergency services officers for executive leadership responsibilities. Its curriculum addresses leadership, organizational performance, community relationships and applied research. Participants complete coursework and a Capstone Applied Project focused on an issue affecting their organization or community.

Tamayo’s final research project, titled “Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters in Combination Fire Departments,” examined the challenges of attracting and retaining volunteer personnel in departments where career and volunteer firefighters work together.

The department announcement stated that Tamayo spent nearly six weeks at the National Fire Academy over two years, in addition to completing independent study, research and writing while continuing his duties as chief.

Tamayo became Chief of Department for Wall Township Fire District No. 3 in 2023, according to the department announcement. He oversees career and volunteer personnel and the district’s fire-service operations.