VRFA deputy chief earns security master’s degree from Naval Postgraduate School

Published 2:27 pm Monday, December 21, 2015

For the Reporter

Brent Swearingen, deputy chief of operations for the Valley Regional Fire Authority, completed a master of arts degree in security studies at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security on Dec. 18.

Swearingen has filled numerous positions within the fire service with responsibilities for emergency operations and management. At the VRFA he oversees the authority’s emergency operations activities for the cities of Algona, Auburn and Pacific. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Phoenix. He resides in Ravensdale.

During the 18-month online and in-residence program, Swearingen collaborated with homeland security officials from throughout the nation on policy, strategy and organizational design challenges. He wrote a thesis titled, “The Buck Stops Where? Aligning Authority with Strategy in Homeland Security.”

Thirty-one CHDS students earned degrees. They represent a snapshot of the homeland security profession, including professionals from the fields of homeland security, emergency management law enforcement, the fire service, military, public health and academia.

CHDS, located at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), is the nation’s homeland security educator. Master’s degree students develop critical thinking, leadership and policy skills during a rigorous 18-month program. Each graduate completes a thesis on a current issue facing his/her jurisdiction. These theses often translate into policy and practice.

The CHDS is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Preparedness Directorate, within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

For information, visit www.chds.us.