The leadership of the United States Fire Service (FS) believes that higher education increases the professionalism of FS members. The research problem at the research site, which is a multisite fire department located in southeastern United States, was the lack of research-based findings on the factors influencing the achievement of higher education of FS members. The purpose of this study was to identify and understand the factors influencing the achievement of higher education of FS members at the research site. A qualitative multisite case study approach was used. The conceptual framework was based upon the theories of motivational factors, andragogy, and self-direction in adult learning. Purposive sampling was used to identify 20 chief fire officers from 10 fire departments. Data were collected through semi structured interviews that were audio taped and transcribed for content analysis and coding and themes emerged. The findings revealed that the internal motivations of personal gratification of FS members and their desire to learn were the factors influencing their achievement of higher education followed by succession planning. FS leaders can use these findings at the research site to promote higher education among FS members. Implications for positive social change include higher education for FS members by which these members may better manage FS to reduce property damage and human casualties caused by fire. The increased rate of higher education graduation of FS members can support continued advocacy for professional development within the field of FS. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]