Murrieta Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Eric Ackerman has earned the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC), the city announced Thursday, Oct. 8.

The credential puts Ackerman among 2,390 fire officers worldwide who hold the designation. The CPC is part of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).

Murrieta Fire Chief Bernie Molloy said Ackerman's effort to earn the credential shows he meets the highest standards for a chief officer in the fire service. "Eric is a leader in our industry, and we are honored to see one of our own receive this recognition," Molloy said in the city's announcement.

The CFO designation is voluntary. Candidates must hold the rank of battalion chief or above and demonstrate excellence across seven areas: experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competence. The process includes a peer review and requires candidates to establish a professional development plan.

Ackerman's CFO credential is his third from the commission. He earned the Fire Officer designation in 2017 and the Chief Training Officer designation in 2019, according to the city's announcement.

The designation is valid for three years. To maintain it, holders must show continued professional growth, contribute to the fire service, maintain active association membership and stay involved in their communities. They must also follow a code of professional conduct.

The CPC includes representatives from academia, federal and local government, and fire and emergency medical services. As of August 2025, the commission had awarded more than 4,000 credentials across its seven designation programs, according to Firehouse.com. The 2,390 figure cited in Ackerman's announcement refers specifically to the Chief Fire Officer designation.

Ackerman said the designation reflects his belief that leadership carries a responsibility to keep learning and improving. He credited the people he has worked alongside throughout his career for challenging and inspiring him.

The CFO credential must be renewed every three years through continued professional development and community involvement.