The problem was that the Mokena Fire Protection District (MFPD) has never had a rank of Battalion Chief (BC); thus is has never had a leadership development plan specifically designed to aid employees in the transformation to the promotion of BC. The purpose of this applied research project was to develop and implement a sustainable MFPD BC leadership development plan which ensures the BC will acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) in order to be an effective leader. A descriptive research methodology was utilized in order to evaluate the information which was collected and analyzed from other organizations. Questionnaires were conducted to answer the following questions for research: 1. How do other types of service industries select their "Chief Officers"? 2. How is optimal performance (success) of BC's measured? 3.What KSA's and characteristics does a newly promoted MFPD BC need in order to be a successful Chief Officer? 4. What are the obstacles to developing successful Chief Officers? The author's recommendations derived of this research project are: Continue to promote education within the MFPD throughout the ranks; Continue to utilize the assessment center as the testing process of all MFPD BC's; Establish requirements that the BC is to obtain the necessary educational and experience criteria which will allow the BC to apply to the EFO program at the NFA; Establish requirements that the BC is to apply for Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (IOSFM) fire officer three certification; Establish requirements that the BC is to apply for CFO designation from the CPSE; and Establish requirements that the BC continue their education beyond the list above.