Please join the Tennessee State Marshal's Office (SFMO) in welcoming Eric Barlow as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education Commission. 

A native of Clarksville, Eric joined the SFMO in July 2025 as the SFMO's Director of the Electrical, Residential, and Marina Inspections section. This section includes 16  state inspectors. Eric completed a distinguished 20-year career as an Active-Duty Air Force Firefighter and retired from the Air Force as the Deputy Fire Chief for one of the U.S. Department of War’s largest fire departments. He is a combat tour veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.  

He earned his Associate Degree in Applied Science, Fire Science and Bachelor of Science, Fire Science Management and has earned numerous IFSAC and Pro Board accredited certifications to complement his extensive Fire Service background. 

Eric wants to hear your ideas about ways to improve outreach between the Commission and our stakeholders. Please contact him by email at Eric.Barlow@tn.gov or by phone at (615) 920-1589. 

The Tennessee Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education Commission provides annual educational incentive payments to encourage ongoing training and improve firefighter safety across the state. The career incentive is commonly known as the Educational Incentive Program (EIP). The volunteer incentive is commonly known as the Volunteer Educational Incentive Program (VEIP). 

These incentives are paid as supplements to regular compensation and are based on completing commission-approved, rank-appropriate in-service training. 

Career (Full-Time) Firefighters Incentive Amount: $800 per year  

• Training Requirement: A minimum of 40 hours of approved in-service training each year that relates to the firefighter’s rank and department duties 

• Payment Method: Paid as a supplement to the firefighter’s regular salary 

Volunteer Firefighters Incentive Amount: $600 per year  

• Training Requirement: At least 30 hours of approved in-service training annually, appropriate to the firefighter’s rank and responsibilities 

• Payment Method: Paid in addition to any other compensation 

                                   Important Dates To Remember

• Jan 1, 2026 – Departments can submit their training verification spreadsheets through ACADIS.

• Jan 1, 2026 – Departments and/or individuals can start submitting their requests for payments via this Formstack link. 

• Mar 1, 2026 – Deadline for all submissions.

• June 30, 2026 – Deadline for all payments to be paid.

Questions? Contact Laura Costin FFC Administrative Director by email at Laura.Costin@tn.gov or call (615) 772-5777.