A detailed description of Todd Smith of Jacksonville's experience

I am Dr. Todd Alan Smith, a published executive and thought leader in government relations, with over 34 years of diverse experience across local, state, and federal public service—driven by a lifelong commitment to protecting communities.

Throughout my dedicated career, I have consistently upheld the principle that transparency is the foundation of effective governance. I have demonstrated proven leadership and subject matter expertise in working collaboratively with policymakers, elected officials, and private sector leaders to design and implement impactful strategies that serve the best interests of residents and stakeholders alike.

Backed by decades of advanced training, education, and hands-on experience in public administration and safety, I have consistently delivered high-level, innovative leadership to promote community well-being across all segments of the most critical local, state, and national platforms.

My public service, administrative, and executive leadership career began in 1992 with the Nassau County Fire and Rescue Department, and then, in 1997, I joined a Fire and Rescue Department.

I have achieved advanced licensure, credentials, and certifications serving all JFRD Divisions, promoting through numerous civil service and appointed ranks, including Suppression Firefighter, Suppression Engineer, Rescue Engineer, Rescue Lieutenant, Suppression Lieutenant, tested eligible for Prevention Lieutenant, Program Coordinator, Program Manager, Appointed Employee, and confirmed twice as an Appointed Official by the City of Jacksonville City Council.

Accommodation and Awards:

Special Certificate of Commendation for Exceptional Performance for 2025
Special Certificate of Commendation for Exceptional Performance for 2024
Special Citation for Excellence as Unified Incident Commander during Hurricane Matthew for 2016
Special Unit Citation for Outstanding Service and Exceptional Professionalism for 2007
Special Unit Citation for Life-Saving Efforts during an Emergency for 2007
Columbia Southern University Robert G. Mayes Excellence Award for 2012
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company’s Valor and Exceptional Service Award for 2015
Omega Nu Lambda (ΩωΝνΛλ ) from The National Honor Society for Alpha Chapter at Liberty University for 2025
The National Society of Leadership and Success Sigma Alpha Pi (ΣAπ) Foundations of Leadership for 2017,
The Continental Who’s Who Inner Circle Lifetime Executive for 2020

I have been honored and trusted to serve in many senior executive and administrative roles including a Special Operations Training Manager for the Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR), Wildland Urban Interface Team, HAZMAT Team, Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Team, and Shipboard Firefighting Team.

I am also honored to have served as Special Projects Manager and then Emergency Preparedness Homeland Security Manager; the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division’s Assistant Chief, Deputy Division Chief, Division Chief, and Director; Jacksonville Security Coordinator, Special Advisor to the Mayor; Duval County Emergency Planning Director; Jacksonville’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident Management (NIMS) Coordinator; Resilient Jacksonville Working Group Contributor; Co-chair of Jacksonville’s Security and Emergency Preparedness Council (SEPPC); and the Administrator of the Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

While serving the City of Jacksonville as Director and Division Chief for the Fire and Rescue Department, I developed many aspects of today’s public safety, community preparedness, and emergency operations programs and physical environments; this included creating the first-ever Jacksonville Port Security Disaster Operations Inter-Agency Coordination Center, which was instrumental for Jacksonville and Florida during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

I have both ensured and improved diversity and inclusion opportunities through hiring and promotion, refining administrative and emergency operations processes, updating physical executive and operational settings, and coordinating the efforts of dozens of governmental and non-governmental organizations during hundreds of City of Jacksonville emergency response team activations.

With decades of incident management experience, I have managed the deployment of hundreds of responders on dozens of missions nationwide. I have executed consecutive major city-wide emergency evacuation orders and emergency shelter operations, including those for the most significant local incidents of Hurricane Matthew, Irma, and Dorian.

I am proud to have directed all City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activities for the response to COVID-19, which included establishing the first nationwide drive-thru test site, delivering millions of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), the opening of the State of Florida’s first Monoclonal treatment site, and one of the State’s first vaccination sites.

With ongoing hard work and a commitment to education and certification, I am proud to be the only public safety executive nationwide who simultaneously and currently holds interrelated professional designations for Chief Fire Officer (CFO) from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), Florida Professional Emergency Manager (FPEM) from the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) from FEMA’s National Emergency Training Center (NETC), State of Florida Fire Officer I-IV, National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro-Board) Fire Officer I-IV, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue – Fire Officer I-III, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue – Rescue Officer I-III, State credentials in every Incident Command (IC) and General Staff (C&G) positions by the State of Florida All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT), and certified to instruct all Incident Command (IC) and General Staff (C&G) position courses by FEMA.

Organization(s) where I gained experience:

City of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, since March 1997, promoted through the ranks and held numerous executive roles
Critical Response Strategies, Caplin Ventures, since 2023, Senior Vice President
State of Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), since 2004, Incident Management, Command and Control roles, multiple Committee Chair positions, Executive Committee Member, Advisory Committee Chair, and many Committee Member roles
Florida State College at Jacksonville, since 2002, Public Safety Services Professor, Committee Chair, and Committee Member
IIF Data Solutions, Inc., 2012 to 2014, (NORTHCOM) Subject Matter Expert / Incident Commander
Nassau County Fire Rescue Department, from 1992 to 1997, Volunteer, Firefighter, Paramedic, and Engineer

My experience with the organization:

As part of my senior executive experience with the City of Jacksonville, and because, under the Mayor’s leadership, only the Directors and Division Chiefs are responsible for managing the annual budget development process, I have many years of experience ensuring the accurate formulation and execution of the City of Jacksonville’s annual budget.

Serving as both a Director and Division Chief within the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), alongside the other Division Chiefs, I have directly overseen the overall annual budget for JFRD and independently developed and managed the budgets for the Emergency Preparedness Division and Training Division programs. I have contributed over two decades of leadership in budget development, strategic planning, and emergency management.

Operational and Training Innovations:

I led the creation of JFRD’s current Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), which was informed by research and analysis of vehicle damage trends, particularly incidents involving backing accidents and personnel injuries. This evidence-based training program significantly reduced apparatus repair costs and employee injury claims—saving the City millions of dollars. In coordination with the City’s Risk Management division, I developed and implemented classroom instruction, competency courses, and practical exams to assess and validate the driving proficiency of new and existing emergency vehicle operators.

Grants, Capital Improvements, and Legislative Leadership:
I have secured and provided budgetary oversight for numerous high-impact grants, including:

Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): For the first time since 2010, I returned $1.5 million annually to Jacksonville for the Jacksonville Metropolitan Security Area to address public safety and security gaps.
FEMA and State Grants: Managed over $400 million in federal and state Homeland Security and disaster recovery grants, including SHSGP, HMGP, EMPG, EMPA, SAFER, AFG, and PSG.
SAFER Grants: Successfully secured funding totaling over $36 million across 2016–2019 to hire 148 firefighters.
AFG (2015): Obtained $1.58 million for Power Loading Stretchers, significantly reducing firefighter injuries and improving patient care.

Abbreviations: State Home Security Grant Program (SHSGP); Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP); Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG); Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA); Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER); Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG); and the Port Security Grant Program (PSG).

I have developed and implemented dozens of capital improvement plans, mutual aid agreements, procurement actions, and legislative initiatives. My legislative engagement spans hundreds of items reviewed and approved through the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee, City Council, and special committees addressing strategic planning, opioid response, mental health, and post-disaster impacts.

Disaster Response and Recovery Leadership:
I guided Jacksonville’s executive leadership through major disaster responses and FEMA Public Assistance recovery processes, including:

Hurricane Matthew (2016): $57M in damages
Hurricane Irma (2017): $72M in damages
Hurricane Dorian (2019): $7M in damages
COVID-19 Response (2020): $89M in damages
Hurricane Ian (2022): $10M in damages
Closeout of Tropical Storm Debby (2012) and Fay (2008): Over $13M recovered

Infrastructure and Security Enhancements:
I led budgeting and implementation efforts for critical infrastructure projects, including:

Demolition of flood-prone homes in the South Shores neighborhood
Completion of 11 Fire Station Wind Retrofit projects, with six more in progress
Installation of 22 Fire Station Generators for continuity of operations
Acquisition of three 37-ft CBRNE Fire Boats and four RHIB rescue boats through PSG funding
Procurement of a Stadium Drone Detection System and JFRD’s mobile drone detection systems to address emerging airborne threats
Funding match for AFG to enhance JFRD’s Health and Wellness Program

Strategic Innovation and Operational Excellence

I led the development and implementation of new operational systems aimed at enhancing regional disaster preparedness and logistical efficiency. This included securing a $1.4 million award from the Department of Homeland Security’s

Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP) to address critical capability gaps in housing and supply chain management. The program focused on innovative regional solutions for catastrophic incidents—particularly around food, water, and shelter—and built on existing collaborative frameworks.

Public Safety and Homeland Security Enhancements

Anti-Vehicle Barrier Mitigation Program
I created the first-ever Anti-Vehicle Barrier Mitigation Program for both the State of Florida and the City of Jacksonville. The program launched with 24 barriers in Jacksonville and expanded to over 270 locally and nearly 500 statewide. I subsequently authored the statewide anti-vehicle funding plan for Florida’s Domestic Security Coordinating Group (DSCG), establishing a portable, reusable barrier solution to protect crowds from vehicular attacks during public events.
Emergency Road Access Teams (ERAT)
In 2004, I co-founded the nation’s first Emergency Road Access Teams, a multi-agency task force composed of JFRD, JSO, JEA, and Public Works. These pre-positioned teams restore critical transportation routes post-disaster—a model that is now considered a national best practice.
I further enhanced ERAT capabilities by securing five $1 million Caterpillar 299D3 Multi-Terrain Loaders, in coordination with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, forming the first-ever JFRD and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) ERAT/Wildland Mitigation Team. This team was immediately deployed in response to the Surfside condo collapse on June 24, 2021.
Technology Integration
I coordinated with JaxGIS to develop an online road blockage reporting platform, used by multiple city agencies to manage ERAT responses.
I modernized emergency communications by implementing satellite internet/voice systems for critical infrastructure and increasing the availability of portable satellite devices, ensuring continuity of government during disasters.

Logistics, COVID-19 Response, and Community Resilience

Ground Support Unit (GSU)
I launched the first-of-its-kind Ground Support Unit (GSU) for the City of Jacksonville to provide scalable logistical support to the EOC, USAR, Wildland Teams, HAZMAT, Special Events, and State partners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the GSU delivered millions of units of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers, healthcare facilities, and city agencies.
Registry for Endangered, Vulnerable, and Missing Persons (R.E.V.A.M.P. Duval)
I implemented R.E.V.A.M.P. Duval, a voluntary registry for individuals with cognitive, memory, or sensory disabilities, enabling first responders to rapidly access critical information in missing persons cases—dramatically improving search outcomes and response times.

Infrastructure and Emergency Shelter Development

I secured over $6 million in FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to build a 20,000 sq. ft. First Responder Safe Room in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This facility allows local responders to remain in service during severe weather and large-scale incidents.
I managed the Alternate Water Site Usage Agreement Program, a critical component in achieving and maintaining JFRD’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 rating—the highest possible classification. This rating directly contributed to $242 million in annual insurance premium savings for Jacksonville property owners.

National and International Collaboration and Accreditation

Secured Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) re-accreditation three times for the Duval County Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Preparedness Division.
Achieved first-time EMAP accreditation for the JFRD Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR).
Initiated participation of local EOC personnel in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, promoting resilience and disaster preparedness across the Western Hemisphere.

Innovative Search and Rescue Deployment

Founded the JFRD Air Deployable Search and Rescue (ADSAR) capability under Florida USAR Task Force 5, enabling rapid helicopter deployment of search and rescue teams in partnership with the Florida National Guard. This forward-thinking model has since been recognized as a national best practice.

Workforce Development and Performance Improvement

Co-developed the JFRD Performance Improvement Program (PIP) to address knowledge, skill, and performance gaps in a consistent, structured manner—prioritizing resolution at the company level whenever possible.
Served on the committee to revise the Professional Growth and Development Plan (PG&D), providing key administrative updates, outlining new promotional testing requirements, identifying limitations, and offering strategic recommendations for improvement.

Equitable Resource Distribution, Disaster Recovery, and Community Resilience

I have consistently championed the transparent and equitable distribution of local, state, and federal resources through a wide range of impactful legislative and operational initiatives that directly benefit Jacksonville’s residents.

Hazard Mitigation and Flood Resilience
Secured over $22 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) funds to acquire and demolish flood-prone homes, permanently removing families from harm’s way and restoring vital drainage capacity—significantly increasing Jacksonville’s long-term resilience to flooding.
Citywide Emergency Preparedness Outreach
Initiated the first-ever citywide mailing of the Emergency Preparedness Guide to all 430,000 residential addresses in Jacksonville through strategic partnerships with local agencies. Also created and distributed a Spanish-language version of the guide to improve accessibility for Hispanic residents.
JaxReady Platform Expansion
Modernized and expanded the City’s emergency preparedness communication tools by leading a team to develop version 7 of the JaxReady app, enhancing public usability and integrating 78 different languages, real-time weather links, and intuitive navigation to strengthen multilingual and inclusive emergency communication.
Disaster Food Assistance Coordination
Following Hurricane Irma (2017), I coordinated with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the Food for Florida Disaster Food Assistance Program in Duval County, ensuring equitable and transparent distribution of disaster food benefits to affected families.
UAE Embassy Disaster Philanthropy Partnership
In 2018, I collaborated with U.S. diplomats and bipartisan congressional leaders on a $10 million United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy Philanthropy Project, successfully securing $2.775 million for Jacksonville’s most vulnerable communities to rebuild homes and recover from Hurricane Irma’s devastation (Ordinance 2018-544).
Targeted Weather Forecasting for Vulnerable Communities
Partnered with the National Weather Service to enhance local forecasting by introducing geographically specific alerts tailored to Jacksonville’s most at-risk areas—helping guide emergency evacuations and improve timely delivery of life-saving information.
Food Security During Disasters
Partnered with Feeding Northeast Florida to coordinate food and water distribution efforts during multiple disasters, personally leading operations to ensure resources reached the most vulnerable individuals and families across the city.

Substance Use Intervention, Grant Leadership, and Public Health Innovation

Opioid Response and Public Safety Integration
Beginning in 2016, I led a research and data-driven initiative uncovering a correlation between increased Narcan administrations by JFRD and corresponding JSO crime, arrests, and accident data—revealing critical patterns in narcotics-related vulnerabilities across Jacksonville. This analysis informed strategic grant applications and policy decisions.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grant
Successfully secured SAMHSA grant funding to address substance use disorders (SUD) in vulnerable communities. Hired a full-time clinician to expand access to Narcan (naloxone), provide community overdose education, and connect individuals to recovery and treatment resources.
Opioid Epidemic Legislative Leadership
Paved the way for expert testimony before the Special Committee on the Opioid Epidemic, Vaping & Mental Health Resources, detailing overdose trends and Narcan distribution.
Secured JFRD’s implementation of the Safe Healthy Neighborhoods grant, which enabled free Narcan training and distribution to individuals and organizations—resulting in thousands of Narcan doses delivered and hundreds of overdose prevention sessions conducted.
Litigation Impact and Long-Term Funding
These efforts contributed to the City’s involvement in national litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors, culminating in substantial opioid settlement funds and the development of the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grants (OSPG) Program to support sustained community health and recovery services.

Conflict Resolution and Team Mediation Experience

When addressing conflict, I prioritized early intervention—acting swiftly to prevent issues from escalating and harming overall team morale. I always initiated the resolution process in a neutral and private setting, beginning with individual meetings to understand each person’s perspective in a space free of pressure or judgment. These sessions emphasized active listening and open-ended questioning to distinguish facts from perceptions.

A critical component of my conflict resolution approach involved analyzing the underlying root causes. Often, disagreements stemmed from miscommunication, personality differences, misaligned expectations, unclear roles, or external stressors such as emergency operations or disaster activations. Identifying these root issues allowed for more effective, long-term solutions.

Where not precluded by policy or contractual obligations, I guided team members in co-developing mutually agreeable solutions. These often included clarifying roles, adjusting workflows, or implementing behavioral agreements, such as scheduled check-ins or adapting communication styles to better support collaboration.

Ultimately, my success in mediating workplace conflict has been rooted in a neutral, empathetic, and objective approach, focused on shared interests rather than fixed positions. By validating individual concerns while upholding organizational goals and maintaining confidentiality throughout, I consistently fostered a culture of trust, accountability, and resilience.

In times of crisis, how I communicate and interact with executive leadership:

I have led comprehensive public and stakeholder engagement efforts, including participation in dozens of town hall meetings, City Council briefings, television and radio interviews, and public education initiatives. Additionally, I have conducted high-level briefings for senior government officials such as Members of Congress, the Governor of Florida, state legislators, and multiple foreign delegations.

During times of crisis, I have served as both a communicator and an executive leader, fostering a professional, coordinated environment that enables timely and effective decision-making. Notably, during major disasters—including Hurricanes Matthew (2016), Irma (2017), Michael (2018), and Dorian (2019)—I led Unified Command operations at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) throughout each incident. I delivered daily intelligence briefings to the full Jacksonville City Council and coordinated visits with state and federal leadership following each event. These included meetings with the Governor of Florida, state legislators, members of the U.S. Congress, and the FEMA Administrator to assess impacts and guide recovery efforts.

Additional communication and Interaction with executive leadership:

Florida State College at Jacksonville, Disaster and Emergency Preparedness; Storm Planning Panelist
National Counterterrorism Center’s Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop, Jacksonville, Florida
National Homeland Security Conference, Hurricane Matthew and Irma Response, Buffalo, New York
Florida Association of Bursars and Student Account Administrators Conference, Daytona Beach, Florida
Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Conference, St. Augustine, Florida
Active Assailant Response, Florida Department of Children and Families, Jacksonville, Florida
Rotary Club of Southpoint Disaster Preparedness Panel, Jacksonville, Florida
Rotary Club of North Jacksonville Post Disaster Panel, Jacksonville, Florida
Florida State College at Jacksonville Public Safety Symposium, Keynote Speaker, Jacksonville, Florida
Municipal Special Events Summit for Municipal Government Officials Public Safety Permitting, Reno, Nevada
City of Jacksonville City Council Member Towns Halls, Jacksonville, Florida

Domestic and International Delegation Briefings:

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Congressional Delegation, Hurricane Irma
Texas A&M University, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Recovery from Disasters
Commander, Navy Region Southeast, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Operations
Governor of the State of Florida, Response to Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma
Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Hurricane Irma
Changwon South Korea Delegation, Elected Officials and Key Partners, Hurricane Matthew
Canadian Consultant, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Operations
United Arab Emirates, Embassy Cultural Affairs Minister, Community Resilience
Governor of the State of Florida, Response to Hurricane Dorian
Senior Staff, Navy Region Southeast, Homeland Security Operations
State and Local Officials: Resetting Public Health Strategy on COVID-19
GlobalJax – U.S. Department of State Meeting: Emergency Preparedness Briefing on Disasters
U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Building Resilience Through Private-Public Partnerships
Federal Emergency Management Agency – Southeast Private-Public Partners Summit

Experiences communicating and interacting with executive leadership:

Group Supervisor, Urban Search and Rescue, Hurricane Charlie, Jacksonville, Florida, 2004
Group Supervisor, Urban Search and Rescue, Hurricane Frances, Jacksonville, FL, 2004
Group Supervisor, Urban Search and Rescue, Hurricane Ivan, Jacksonville, FL, 2004
Group Supervisor, Urban Search and Rescue, Hurricane Jeanne, Jacksonville, FL, 2004
Group Supervisor, Urban Search and Rescue, Hurricane Wilma, Jacksonville, FL, 2005
Logistics Staging Area Manager, Incident Management Team, Super Bowl XXXIX, Jacksonville, FL, 2005
Group Supervisor, Flood Water Rescue, Tropical Storm Alberto, Jacksonville, FL, 2006
Planning Section Chief, COJ Incident Management Team, Major Flooding, Jacksonville, FL, 2007
Planning Section Chief, COJ Incident Management Team, Wildfires, Jacksonville, FL, 2007
Planning Section Chief, FEMA Joint Field Office, Groundhog Day Storms, Orlando, FL, 2007
Planning Section Chief, FEMA Joint Field Office, Christmas Day Storms, Orlando, FL, 2007
Search Team Leader, Florida Urban Search and Rescue, Hurricane Katrina, Jackson County, MS, 2005
Planning Section Chief, Florida Urban Search and Rescue, Hurricane Ernesto, Tampa, FL, 2006
Situation Unit Leader, COJ Incident Management Team, T2 Labs Reactor Explosion, Jacksonville, FL, 2007
Planning Section Chief, COJ Incident Management Team, Berkman 2 Collapse, Jacksonville, FL, 2007
Technical Advisor, State of Florida EOC, Tropical Storm Fay, Tallahassee, FL, 2008
Public Information Officer, State of Florida EOC, Suwannee River Flooding, Hamilton, FL, 2009
Liaison Officer, State of Florida EOC, Suwannee River Flooding, Hamilton, FL, 2009
Public Information Officer, State of Florida EOC, Suwannee River Flooding, Hamilton, FL, 2009
Rescue Logistics Chief, Urban Search and Rescue, Tropical Storm Debby, Jacksonville, FL, 2012
Complex Command, Florida Urban Search and Rescue, Mission Person, Jacksonville, FL, 2012
Senior Controller, Jacksonville Maritime Firefighting Full Scale Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2014
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Georgia vs. Florida Game, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Executive Planning Team, NFL Stadium First Responder Private Sector Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2015
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville, FL, 2016 Incident Commander, Unified Command, Florida vs Georgia NCAA Game, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Monster Jam, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Severe Weather, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, COJ Response to ZIKA, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Exercise Director, Mid-Season Hurricane Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Hurricane Hermine, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Executive Planning Team, NFL Stadium First Responder Private Sector Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, COJ Response to ZIKA, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, COJ Response to Hurricane Mathew, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Navy vs. Notre Dame, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Florida vs. Georgia, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Sea and Sky Spectacular, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, New Year’s Events, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, Jacksonville, FL, 2016
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Monster Jam, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Executive Planning Team, NFL Stadium First Responder Private Sector Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Exercise Director, Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Exercise Director, Jacksonville Electric Authority Annual Hurricane Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, COJ Response to Severe Weather, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Memorial Day Celebration, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Executive Group, Nuclear Weapons Incident Response Training, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Hurricane Irma, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Georgia vs. Florida NCAA Game, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, FL, 2017
Exercise Director, Jacksonville Electric Authority Annual Hurricane Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Exercise Director, COJ and the Beaches Hurricane Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Winter Storm and Severe Weather, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Planning Team, NFL Stadium First Responder Private Sector Executive Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, COJ Response to Hurricane Florence, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, COJ Response to Hurricane Michael, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Incident Commander, Unified Command, COJ Response to Hurricane Michael, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Jets, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Florida vs. Georgia NCAA Game, Jacksonville, FL, 208
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Washington Redskins, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Agency Administrator, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville, FL, 2018
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Old City Hall Implosion (21 Stories), Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Agency Administrator, NCAA Finals, March Madness, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, River Power Park Implosion (22 Stories), Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Exercise Director, Jacksonville Electric Authority Annual Hurricane Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Exercise Director, COJ and the Beaches Hurricane Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Miami Air Flight #293 (NAS JAX), Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Yellow Bluff Fire, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, COJ Response to Hurricane Dorian, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Missing Persons (Williams and Rose), Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Vice Presidential Visit (NAS JAX), Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Welcome to Rockville Festival, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Hurricane Dorian, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville, FL, 2019
Incident Commander, Unified Command, TaxSlayer Bowl / New Year’s Celebration, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Donna Deegan Marathon, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, COJ Response to COVID-19, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Gate River Run, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Independence Day Celebration, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Monster Jam, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Mayor Godbold Memorial, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Monster Jam, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, UFC 249, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Exercise Director, Jacksonville Electric Authority Annual Hurricane Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Exercise Director, COJ and the Beaches Hurricane Exercise, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Vice Presidential Visit (NAS JAX), Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Operation Guardian (Civil Unrest), Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, COJ Response to Hurricane Isaias, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Indiana Colts, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Point of Heightened Awareness (Elections), Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Georgia vs. Florida NCAA Game, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Houston Texans, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Tropical Storm Eta, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Georgia vs. Florida College Football, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, TaxSlayer Bowl, Jacksonville, FL, 2020
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Point of Heightened Awareness (Inauguration), Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Downtown Encampment, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jax River Jams Concert Series, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, (UFC) Ultimate Fighting Championship, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Point of Heightened Awareness (Chauvin Trial), Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Orange Crush, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Hurricane Ida, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Broncos, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Cardinals, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Unified Area Command, Installation Resilience, Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, September 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Titans, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Georgia vs. Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Bills, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. 49ers, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Falcons, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Texans, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, TaxSlayer Bowl, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Jaguars vs. Colts, Jacksonville, FL, 2021
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. Houston Texans, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jackson State/Bethune Cookman, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Unified Command, Hurricane Ian, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. New York Giants, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Unified Command, Hurricane Nicole, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Georgia Florida Game, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Unified Command, Hurricane Fiona, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Jacksonville, FL, 2022
Agency Administrator, Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville, FL, 2023

U. S. National Guard and NORTHCOM Experience:

Incident Commander, Unified Command, Nation Guard Bureau Joint Exercise, Washington D.C., 2012
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Nation Guard Bureau Homeland Response Exercise, Ohio 2012
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Nation Guard Bureau Vigilant Guard Exercise, Arkansas, 2013
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Nation Guard Bureau Vigilant Guard Exercise, FL, 2013
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Nation Guard Bureau Vigilant Guard Exercise, Colorado, 2013
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Nation Guard Bureau Homeland Response Exercise, AL, 2013
Incident Commander, Unified Command, Nation Guard Bureau Patriot Exercise, Wisconsin, 2014
Subject Matter Expert, Army Special Operations Command Mobility Exercise, North Carolina, 2018
Subject Matter Expert, NE Florida Port Coordination Team, Barge BRIDGEPORT Incident, 2021

How I collaborated with local organizations or nonprofits in your community:

I served as a contributor to the Resilient Jacksonville Working Group, which focused on advancing urban resilience—defined as a city’s ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from acute shocks and chronic stresses. The City’s resilience strategy was developed to help public agencies, private sector partners, civic organizations, and residents collectively understand and address these challenges in a comprehensive manner. Equally important, the strategy aimed to identify systemic strengths and vulnerabilities, ensuring that the city not only mitigates losses during a crisis but emerges stronger in its aftermath. The outcome of the collaboration was a greater awareness of resilience objectives to develop the strategies to make Jacksonville stronger and more prepared.

In 2023, I was a Planning Team Committee Member for the City of Jacksonville Local Technology Broadband Initiative under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Office of Broadband, which was established in July 2020 to increase the availability and effectiveness of broadband internet throughout the State of Florida. The City of Jacksonville initiated a similar local effort to promote equitable access to digital infrastructure by adopting policies into the 2045 Comprehensive Plan under Future Land Use Element Objective 1.7 and related policies. The policies prioritize digital infrastructure, equitable access, and opportunities to incentivize equitable access to digital infrastructure in areas lacking access. Digital equity is the condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology capacity for full participation in society and the economy.

In addition to my local efforts, I collaborated internationally with a delegation from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) and representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Japanese delegation visited the City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division to learn from our experiences responding to Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Irma (2017). The visit was facilitated by the Army Corps’ Pacific Ocean Division, which manages projects in Japan and Korea.

The delegation included senior officials from Japan’s Water and Disaster Management Bureau, university professors, and civil engineers. Through a translator, I provided a detailed presentation on the hurricanes’ impact on Jacksonville, outlining emergency declarations, evacuation protocols, and response and recovery operations led by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. I also highlighted the complexities of managing evacuation zones in Jacksonville, the largest city by land mass in the United States. Our Public Education Program—emphasizing preparedness planning, emergency kits, and evacuation zone awareness—was a key area of interest.

Impressed by Jacksonville’s approach, the same delegation arranged a follow-up meeting two years later, traveling from Japan to meet my team again at the National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans. Their continued interest centered on adapting Jacksonville’s evacuation best practices to enhance resilience in Tokyo and other densely populated, below-sea-level urban areas across Japan.The outcome of the collaboration, according to the ambassadors, was a stronger awareness by the Japanese community to better prepare for disasters.

Experience across fire rescue disciplines:

I bring extensive experience, training, certification, credentialing, and licensure across all divisions and sections of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD). My career reflects a steadfast commitment to professional development, operational excellence, and public service leadership.

I actively pursue continuous education and training, maintaining a forward-looking approach to staying current on both established and emerging areas of public safety, emergency management, and administrative leadership. As a lifelong student of public service and administration, I seek every opportunity to acquire new ideas, certifications, and credentials that ensure relevance in today’s dynamic environment.

Administrative Roles:

Special Projects Program Manager – Assigned in 2015
Assistant Chief of Emergency Preparedness – Promoted in 2015
Deputy Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness – Promoted in 2016
Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness – Promoted in 2020
Director of Emergency Preparedness – Promoted in 2022

In addition to these leadership roles, I served as the City of Jacksonville’s Special Security Coordinator, Co-Chair of the Security and Emergency Preparedness Council (SEPPC), and as Administrator of the Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

One of my key initiatives was the establishment of the first-ever 24-hour Duval County Watch Office within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which significantly enhanced interagency coordination and real-time incident response capabilities. This innovation directly contributed to several critical outcomes, including locating missing and endangered individuals.

I also coordinated executive-level security efforts with the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) during multiple presidential visits. These efforts ensured the safety and security of the President, local and federal officials, event participants, and first responders by facilitating seamless multi-agency communication and operational planning.

Professional Memberships and Service Roles:

I have actively participated in professional organizations and advisory roles aligned with emergency management, homeland security, and public safety administration.

Executive Board Member for the Domestic Security Coordinating Group Executive Board, Region 3.
Board Member for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF).
Committee Member for the Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF), Prevention and Awareness.
Training and Exercise Committee Member for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, RDSTF.
Planning Team and Local Technology Committee Member for The City of Jacksonville Broadband Initiative.
Advisory Committee Member for the Jacksonville BioWatch for Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Policy, Credentialing, and Steering Committee Member for the State of Florida All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT).
Committee Member for the Northeast Florida Local Emergency Planning Council
Advisory Group Member for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
Committee Member for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Firefighter Safety Committee.
Board Member for the Florida State College at Jacksonville Administration and Management Advisory Board.
Chair for the Florida State College at Jacksonville Public Safety Business and Industry Leadership Board.
Committee Member for the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association of Search and Rescue Section (FASAR)
Committee Member for the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association of Hazmat Responders.
Committee Member for the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) Training and Professional Development Committee.
Member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).
Member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Southeastern Division.
Member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Executive Fire Officer Section.
Committee Member of the United States Junior Chamber, the Jacksonville Jaycees Community Service Committee.
Committee Member for The City of Jacksonville 911 Emergency Addressing Advisory Committee.
Member of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
Member of The Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA).
Committee Member of the First Coast Disaster Council (FCDC).
Co-Chair of The City of Jacksonville Security and Emergency Preparedness Planning Council (SEPPC).
Co-Chair of The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Professional Growth and Development Committee (PG&D).
Co-Chair of The Duval Prepares Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Advisory Board.
Chair of the Emergency Preparedness Community Health and Wellness Committee.
Incident Commander for The State of Florida, Northeast Florida State Incident Management Team.
Board Member for The Northeast Florida Long Term Recovery Organization.
Committee Member for The Northeast and Eastern Central Florida Port Coordination Team, Jacksonville.
Committee Member for the Northeast and Eastern Central Florida Area Marine Security Committee, USCG.
Chair of The City of Jacksonville, Hurricane Matthew Recovery Task Force.
Chair of The City of Jacksonville, Hurricane Irma Recovery Task Force.
Chair of The City of Jacksonville, Hurricane Dorian Recovery Task Force.
Chair of The City of Jacksonville, COVID-19 Recovery Task Force.
Committee Member for The City of Jacksonville, Resilience Working Group.

Emergency Medical Services Experience:

Engineer for the Rescue Division – Promoted in 2001
Fire Officer for the Rescue Division – Promoted in 2004
Hazardous Materials Team Technician for the Rescue Division – Assigned in 2004

Emergency Medical Services Certification and licensure:

Certified Florida EMT, Since 1991(EMT67455)
Certified Florida Paramedic, Since 1993 (PMD13037)
National Registry Paramedic, Since 1993 (MP848928)
Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, National Registry
Advanced Medical Life Support, National Registry
Advanced Cardiac Life Support, American Heart
Rescue Officer I, Since 2015
Rescue Officer II, Since 2015
Rescue Officer III, Since 2015

For the Rescue Division – Secured over $1.5 million from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for the Rescue Units to add Power Load Stretchers to prevent costly injuries to personnel.

Fire Suppression Experience:

Firefighter for the Suppression Division – Assigned in 1997
Engineer for the Suppression Division – Assigned in 2002
Fire Officer for the Suppression Division – Promoted in 2009

Fire Suppression Awards:

Special Certificate of Commendation for Exceptional Performance, 2025
Special Certificate of Commendation for Exceptional Performance, 2024
Special Citation for Excellence, Unified Incident Command, Hurricane Matthew, 2016
Special Unit Citation for Outstanding Service and Exceptional Professionalism, 2007
Special Unit Citation for Life-Saving Efforts during an Emergency, 2007
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Valor and Exceptional Service Award, 2015
FEMA Certified Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Rescue Technician, Since 2005
Certified Florida Urban Search and Rescue (FLUSAR) Rescue Specialist (FL ID 202540)
FEMA/Florida State Certified HAZMAT Technician, Since 2006
United States Coast Guard Captains License, 100 Ton Master Near Coastal, Since 2010 (2233412)
Certified Florida Fire Officer I, Since 2014 (FL ID 182277)
Certified Florida Fire Officer II, Since 2014 (FL ID 182702)
Certified Florida Fire Officer III, Since 2016 (FL ID 197948)
Certified Florida Fire Officer IV, Since 2017 (FL ID 200295)

Secured $41 million from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) program, which has provided 189 additional firefighters for apparatus aimed at compliance with OSHA’s “Two-In Two-Out” policy.

Fire Suppression Special Operations Credentials:

USAR – Planning Section Chief

USAR – Technical Rescue Technician

USAR – Structural Collapse Technician

USAR – Advanced Shoring Collapse Rescue Technician

USAR – Vehicle and Machinery Disentanglement Technician

USAR – Confined Space Rescue Technician

USAR – Rope Rescue Technician

USAR – Logistics Specialist

USAR – Communications Specialist

USAR – Heavy Rigging and Equipment Specialist

USAR – Technical Information Specialist

USAR – Large Animal Emergency Rescue Technician

USAR – Swift Water Rescue and Urban Flood Technician

USAR – US National Grid / Wide Area Search Specialist

HAZMAT – Department of Homeland Security – COBRA Live Agent Training

HAZMAT – Department of Homeland Security – Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings

HAZMAT – Department of Homeland Security -Handling Radioactive Emergencies

HAZMAT – Mass Prophylaxis Preparedness and Planning

HAZMAT – Dugway Proving Ground – Advanced Chemical and Biological Integrated Response

MARINE – Pro Board Shipboard Firefighter I & II

MARINE – U.S. Coast Guard Captains License – 100 Ton Master Near Coastal

MARINE – USCG – Commercial Assisted Towing Endorsement

MARINE – Rigid Hull Inflatable Rescue Boat Operator and Instructor

MARINE – Rough Ocean Rigid Hull Rescue Boat Operator

MARINE – Federal Law Enforcement – Inland Boat Operator Training

MARINE – USAR Swift Water Rescue and Urban Floodwater Technician

MARINE – Florida Safe Boater

Wildland – S-430 Operations Section Chief

Wildland – S-440 Planning Section Chief

Wildland – S-330 Strike Team/Task Force Leader

Wildland – S-260 Incident Business Management (Finance Section Chief)

Wildland – S-248 Status Check-in Recorder

Wildland – S-348 Resource Unit Leader

Wildland – L-180 Human Factors on the Fire line

Wildland – S-130 Firefighter Training

Wildland – S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland – FFP 1302 Pump Operations

Wildland – S-131 Firefighter Type I

Wildland – S-215 Wildland and Urban Interface

Wildland – S-230 Crew Boss – Single Resource Boss

Fire Prevention Division

Began the practice of utilizing Prevention Inspectors as Safety Officers in Emergency Shelters activated during disasters, such as hurricanes. This became a best practice, allowing trained building inspection professionals to not only act as safety officers in shelters but also to remain in shelters during storms to constantly evaluate structures for safety.

Worked with the Prevention Division Team to secure funding for many community safety projects while developing strategic opportunities for the Prevention Division’s objectives.

Fire Prevention Credentials:

Certified Florida Fire Safety Inspector I, Since 2013

Certified Florida Arson Investigator I, Since 2014

Training Division

While in Fire and Rescue Training, I served in multiple capacities including fire service instructor, recruit lead, program manager, advisor, and committee member for a Professional Growth and Development (PG&D) program.

I held the role of Special Operations Training Manager for a range of specialized teams, including the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, Emergency Road Access Teams, Wildland Urban Interface Team, Marine Firefighting, Hazardous Materials Teams, and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF).

In support of the Training, I successfully secured over $1.7 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to fund a Firefighter Health and Wellness Program and the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) Program.

I developed, implemented, and personally delivered instruction for Florida’s first Advanced Fire Boat Operator Training and Credentialing Program through Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), tailored explicitly for Shipboard Firefighters.

My contributions to training program curricula and manual development include authoring and editing numerous Fire Rescue training manuals, such as:

Vehicle and Machinery Disentanglement Training Manual
Engine Company Engineer Manual – used in Engineer promotional exams
Heavy Lifting for the USAR Technician Training Manual
Rope Rescue Operations Training Manual
Emergency Vehicle Operations Training Program Curriculum and Manual
Rigid Hull Inflatable Rescue Boat Operator Training Program Curriculum and Manual
Advanced Recruit and Cadet Training Program Curriculum and Manual
Training Ground Site Safety Plans
Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Task Book
Fire Rescue Communications Center (FRCC) Employee Manual
Fire Boat Operator Training (FBOT) Task Book
Fire Boat Deckhand Task Book
HAZMAT Technician Task Book
Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) Task Book

Additionally, I created numerous electronic forms to streamline operations, including Job Injury Reports, Employee Counseling Forms, Probationary Evaluation Forms, Performance Improvement Plans, and Vehicle Damage Reports. I also developed and delivered a wide range of multimedia training programs and presentations, available upon request.

Notably, I authored and submitted the successful UASI grant proposal for the Flood and Swift Water Rescue cache project. I led the design, procurement, and implementation of the first Flood Water Rescue Team response structure, which now serves as the Duval County / State of Florida Type I Flood Water Rescue Team.

Training Division Instructor Certification and Licenses:

FEMA All-Hazards Incident Commander Instructor (E-951)
FEMA All-Hazards Liaison Officer Instructor (K0957)
FEMA All-Hazards Public Information Officer Instructor (K0953)
FEMA All-Hazards Safety Officer Instructor (K0955)
FEMA All-Hazards Finance Section Chief Instructor (K0974)
FEMA All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief Instructor (K0968)
FEMA All-Hazards Operations Section Chief Instructor (EL0959)
FEMA All-Hazards Planning Section Chief Instructor (K0963)
Incident Command System Instructor (ICS L-449) – 03/30/2007
All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) Instructor (O-305)
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Instructor (HSEEP L-147 TTT) – 03/21/2013
State of Florida Fire Service Instructor I
State of Florida Fire Service Instructor III
State of Florida Live Fire Instructor
USAR Technician Instructor (All 5 Technical Disciplines)
State of Florida Emergency Medical Services Instructor
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor
American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor
American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructor
FEMA WMD Incident Response to Terrorist Bombing, Radiological, and Nuclear Instructor
Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Instructor
U.S National Grid (USNG) Instructor
Florida Wild-land Urban Interface Firefighter Instructor
Fire Pump Operator Instructor
Firefighter Survival Instructor
Shipboard Firefighter I & II Instructor
Swift Water Rescue Instructor
Rigid Hull Inflatable Rescue Boat Instructor
Fire Boat Operations (All Vessel Tonnage) Instructor
Florida State Emergency Response Plan (SERP) Instructor

Emergency Preparedness Division

City of Jacksonville Homeland Security Manager – Appointed in 2015
Assistant Chief of Emergency Preparedness – Appointed in 2016
Deputy Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness – Appointed in 2017
Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness – Appointed / Confirmed by City Council in 2020
Director of Emergency Preparedness – Appointed / Confirmed by City Council in 2022

As the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Director and Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness, I was responsible for the organization, administration, and operations of the Emergency Preparedness Division.

My primary responsibilities included coordinating the activities, services, and programs for emergency management and disaster response within Duval County and serving as the point of contact with other emergency management organizations.

Lead the formulation of a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and program and other plans for Duval County pursuant to Chapter 252, Florida Statutes. (Mitigation activities, preparedness, responses to disasters and emergencies, and recovery operations).

Developed the community evacuation plan for Duval County, utilized for all types of emergencies or disasters in collaboration and coordination with local entities, municipalities, concerned agencies, public utilities, and state offices.

Ensured ongoing accuracy of the EOC emergency plans, such as the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, Local Mitigation Strategy, and Duval County preparedness programs, pursuant to Chapter 252, Florida Statutes.

Monitored and activated appropriate operations for threats, emergencies, or disasters that pose a risk to the lives and safety of Jacksonville residents and proposed solutions for best protecting people and property from imminent danger or further damage.

Assigned responsibility as appropriate, took corrective action, demonstrated executive leadership, and evaluated, developed, and motivated team personnel.

Ensured all required documentation was completed correctly and submitted during declared or other emergencies that resulted in Federal and State funding recovery by working closely with all appropriate City, State, Federal, Private, and Non-Profit partners to ensure timely cost recovery.

Acted as Unified Command for the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center during hundreds of incidents and events.

Managed the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division facilities, including the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Port Security Disaster Operations inter-Agency Coordination Center.

Managed the EOC’s Command and General staff and developed response and Incident Action Plans (IAPs) by coordinating and planning with event promoters for COJ Special Events and large-scale Incidents in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements.

Attended appropriate administrative, community, and departmental meetings, implemented special projects, and oversaw ongoing EOC operations.

For the Emergency Preparedness Division – Composed the design specification document for the UASI grant funded Incident Management Team Tractor and 53’ Trailer with quad slide outs, having dual 8’ by 40’ office space slide outs, for long term incident management – this first of its kind vehicle served as the command-and-control center for the gulf coast field office during the BP Deep-water Horizon oil Spill Incident in 2010. Served as committee member and design specification co-author for the grant-funded State of Florida USAR Planning and Communications response vehicle for long-term deployment of Florida Association Search and Rescue assets – this vehicle has functioned in multiple incidents and exercises since its competition. I created the Florida USAR Mobilization Manuals for Search and Rescue, HAZMAT, and Swift water/Floodwater Rescue Deployments used by team management for state and federally funded incidents and exercises.

Emergency Preparedness Division Incident Management Credentials:

State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Incident Commander
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Safety Officer
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Liaison Officer
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Public Information Officer
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Finance Section Chief
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Logistics Section Chief
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Operations Section Chief
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Planning Section Chief
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Strike Team/Task Force Leader
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Division/Group Supervisor
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Resource Unit Leader
State of Florida Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team – Credentialed Supply Unit Leader
FEMA Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) (Graduated 2015)
All Hazards / FEMA Incident Management Team Credential Training
L-950 All Hazards / FEMA Incident Commander
L-951 All Hazards / FEMA Incident Commander Train the Trainer
L-952 All Hazards / FEMA Public Information Officer
L-954 All Hazards / FEMA Incident Safety Officer
L-956 All Hazards / FEMA Liaison Section Chief
L-958 All Hazards / FEMA Operations Section Chief
L-960 FEMA All Hazards Division Group Supervisor
L-962 All Hazards / FEMA Planning Section Chief
L-965 FEMA All Hazards Resource Unit Leader
L-967 All Hazards / FEMA Logistics Section Chief
L-950 All Hazards / FEMA Division Group Supervisor
L-973 Finance/Administrative Section Chief (FSC)
L-147 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Train the Trainer (HSEEP TTT)
AWR-167 Sports Event Risk Management Course
AWR 213 Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Awareness
AWR 310 Jurisdictional Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
MGT 315 Critical Asset Risk Management (CARM)
MGT 317 Disaster Management for Public Services
MGT 331 Office of Domestic Preparedness Preparing the States: Implementing Continuity of Operations (COOP)
MGT 340 Crisis Leadership and Decision Making
MGT 341 Disaster Preparedness for Healthcare Organizations within the Community Infrastructure
MGT 343 Disaster Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities
MGT 345 Disaster Management for Electric Power Systems
MGT-346 Emergency Operations Center Operations and Planning for All Hazards
MGT 404 Sports and Special Events Incident Management
MGT-412 Sport and Special Event Evacuation Training and Exercise
MGT 414 Critical Infrastructure Resilience and Community Lifelines
MGT 440 Enhanced Sports and Special Events Incident Management
MGT 452 Physical and Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure
MGT 456 Integration of Cyber Security Personnel into the EOC for Cyber Incidents
MGT 462 Community Planning for Economic Recovery
MGT 466 Sport and Special Event Enhanced Risk Management and Assessment
MGT 472 Planning for Transitional and Long-Term Housing After A Major Disaster
MGT 475 Crowd Management for Sport and Special Events
MGT 477 Roles for State, Tribal, and Territorial Govts in the Implementation of Disaster Housing ProgramsIS-00100 (a, b, and c) Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-00120.a An Introduction to Exercises (HSEEP)
IS-00130 Exercise Evaluation and Planning Improvement Planning
IS-00139 Exercise Design
IS-00200 (a and b) ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-00230 Principles of Emergency Management
IS-00235 Emergency Planning
IS-00240 Leadership and Influence
IS-00241 Decision-Making and Problem Solving
IS-00242 Effective Communication
IS-00244 Developing and Managing Volunteers
IS-00300 Intermediate Incident Command System
IS-00400 Advanced Incident Command System
IS-00613 Technical Writing
IS-00619 Research in Training and Education
IS-00700 (a, b, and c) NIMS An Introduction
IS-00703a NIMS Resource Management
IS-00775 EOC Management and Operations
IS-00800 (a, b, and c) National Response Plan (NRP), an Introduction
IS-00901 Section 508 Awareness Course
IS-00271a Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk (2nd Edition)
G-191 ICS – EOC Interface
G-250.7 Rapid Assessment Planning
G-265 Basic Instructional Skills
G-270.4 Recovery from Disaster the Local Governments Role
G-275 EOC Management and Operations
G-318 Mitigation Planning Workshop for Local Governments
G-362 Multi-Hazard Planning Safety for Schools
G-557 Rapid Needs Assessment
Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP)
Emergency and Disaster Management Simulation Program
NORTHCOM SIMCELL Operator
Professional Development Series Certificate of Achievement
Advanced Professional Series
Master Exercise Practitioner

Fire Rescue Communications Center (FRCC)

Committee Member for The City of Jacksonville 911 Emergency Addressing Advisory Committee, which identifies and corrects addressing and street naming deficiencies within the City of Jacksonville to assist and promote efficiency in emergency response system, reviews and revises the City’s street naming and addressing policies, and supports a community outreach program to educate residents concerning their address and how it relates to 9-1-1 Emergency Services.

To strengthen FRCC’s coordination and cooperation, I created and implemented the City of Jacksonville (COJ) and Duval County Watch Office (CWO), or County Warning Point, in the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center. The CWO is staffed by the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division personnel, which maintains communications systems and warning capabilities to ensure that the City’s population and public safety agencies are warned of developing emergencies.

The County Watch Office works with the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division’s Situation Unit, Fire Rescue Communication, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Real-time Crime Center.

The County Watch Office maintains a direct relationship with local, state, and federal partners, allowing public and private sector agencies to have the most complete and up-to-date information available to prepare better and serve the people of Duval County.

Additionally, I created the “Opportunity Bridge” for Fire and JSO Law Enforcement Communications Officers (Emergency Dispatchers) to enter the field of Emergency Management as a newly created 24-Hour Duval County Watch Office.

Authored FRCC policies, including the FRCC Rules and Regulations, FRCC Training Manual, FRCC Uniform Policy, and FRCC Officer Policy.

Authored the 911 Public Safety Dispatch Console Systems Request for Proposals, for use by Fire and Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office public safety dispatchers, which modernized communications center console workstations for more effective emergency dispatch operations.

Dr. Todd Alan Smith-A detailed description of my experience