September 29, 2020
In this podcast we talk with Captain Mike Sedlacek from the Madison, Alabama, Fire Department where they built a cutting-edge education trailer that uses iPads and virtual reality to teach fire safety to children in the community.
City of Mesa Fire and Medical Department
Assistant Fire Chief
Forrest has over 25-years of services to the city of Mesa (Arizona) Fire and Medical Fire Department. In addition to his experience working for an all-hazards fire department as a firefighter/paramedic, Captain, and Battalion/Deputy Chief, Forrest has over 20-years of public relations, corporate marketing, advertising, and promotions experience in both the private and public sectors which he utilized in his role as a former spokesperson for Mesa Fire. Forrest currently serves as an Assistant Fire Chief and oversees the Fire Department’s Dispatch and Deployment, Social Services, Technical Services, Public Education, and Public Information Divisions. Forrest holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Cal State Fullerton along with a multitude of leadership and project management related certifications.
Prior to his career in the fire service, Forrest spent several years working in professional sports and as an account supervisor for Southern California based advertising and marketing firms that managed large national brands. Forrest has represented the City of Mesa on local and national news, has presented at a host of fire and EMS conferences, and served as a co-host on a major television network program that showcased fire departments from across the nation and their emergency calls for services. Forrest also spends a great deal of time serving on a multitude of community, non-profit, and government-based boards and committees.
Baltimore City Fire Department
Deputy Chief
Khalilah N. Yancey has been an integral member of the Baltimore City Fire Department since she began her career as a fire cadet in her senior year as a student at Baltimore City College high school. Her continuous dedication and passion for public service has allowed her to succeed at a high level throughout her tenure with the organization. Her motivation and thirst for knowledge are not just to increase her own personal skill set but to be in a position to better service the citizens of Baltimore and the members of the Baltimore City Fire Department. Khalilah has done this by serving in numerous internal capacities of the fire department which has afforded her with the opportunity to experience the various facets of the business operationally. She has coupled that experience with external opportunities to grow professionally in the fire service by being a lifelong learner and active in various organizations. Some of those organizations include Women in Fire, International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, and a member of the National Fire Protection Associations Responder Forum which brings together fire service leaders, up-and-coming first responders and subject matter experts to tackle the emerging issues faced by the fire service. In 2023, Khalilah Yancey became the second woman and the first African American woman to be promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in the history of the Baltimore City Fire Department. In taking this position she assumed command of the newly created Office of Professional Standards. While serving in this capacity she continues to function as the department’s Liaison to the Deputy Mayor of Public Safety. She holds a degree in Occupational Safety and Health and is a graduate of the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute. Her knowledge and global perspective undoubtedly add an executive level outlook to the conversation on 21 st century Fire/EMS service, and her track record of scholarship and continuing education since joining the fire department allows her to connect theory and practical application together to improve on service delivery standards and models.
Peoria Fire Department
Division Chief of Fire Prevention
Nathaniel “Nate” Rice, EFO, CFO is currently the Division Chief of Fire Prevention at the Peoria Fire Department in Peoria, IL. He has been a member of the department since 1999 where he began as a firefighter. He has progressed through the ranks over that time into his current position. Nate spent 21 years in suppression before leading the Fire Prevention Division and has since realized the importance and benefits to true Community Risk Reduction. As the recipient of the first Vision 20/20 Project, the Peoria Fire Department has spearheaded numerous endeavors in CRR for the PFD and the citizens of Peoria. Nate looks forward to continuing to progress Community Risk Reduction efforts for not only Peoria but collaborations across the country.
Nate is currently involved in the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and serves on their Executive Board and on the Conference Planning Committee. He also is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and serves as a member of the EFO Section as well as the Fire and Life Safety Section. Nate possesses an associate degree from Illinois Central College in Fire Science, a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology and holds a Fire Officer 2 certification from the Illinois State Fire Marshal. He has also completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, Maryland and is designated as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Cedar Rapids Fire Department
Public Education Specialist
Sydney Wright is the Public Education Specialist for the Cedar Rapids Fire Department (IA). Previously, Sydney taught 7th and 8th grade mathematics, but was always drawn to the fire service and interested in how she could get involved. In 2021, Sydney took over a busy Public Education department at the Cedar Rapids Fire Department (CRFD) and immediately set goals to remodel current programs and develop new programs using Community Risk Reduction strategies. One successful program Sydney manages is CRFD’s High Volume User program. CRFD monitors call volumes for around 90 citizens and makes referrals to area resources that participate in the program and attend monthly meetings. In her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time outdoors, bingeing true crime TV shows, and supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes. Sydney lives with her husband, Jeff, daughter, Blakely, and Golden Retriever, Memphis.
Callahan Volunteer Fire Department
Firefighter/Fire & Life Safety Educator
Rachel Roberts is a volunteer firefighter with the Kingsland Fire Rescue in Kingsland, Georgia. She has been involved in the fire service for over 12 years, in both volunteer and career capacities. She has spent the last eight years serving with a passion for fire and life safety education. She is certified in both Georgia and Florida as a Firefighter II, Fire and Life Safety Educator, and Fire Inspector I. She has been certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician since 2017. Despite taking a step back from the career fire prevention officer role in 2021 to stay home with her newborn, she obtained her Associates Degree in Fire Science in 2023 from Columbia Southern University. She currently serves as a Compliance Reviewer and Customer Success Manager for Inspection Reports Online, INC (IROL) and has been working with them since February of 2021. She also volunteers as an expert in fire rescue with the Nassau County 4-H Youth Emergency Team that trains a cadre annually. This is an 8-week course for teens ages 11-18 through the 4-H Program. She has attended the NFA for the Managing Effective Fire Prevention Programs course and has completed the NFA Leadership Strategies for Community Risk Reduction course when it was brought to Georgia in 2019. When she isn’t busy with her other tasks, she can be found enjoying family time with her husband and two young boys.
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services
State Fire Prevention Coordinator
Gary Peck has over 30 years in Fire and Emergency Services, with 25 years as a Military Firefighter/Fire Officer and 14 years as a Fire Chief. He is currently serving as a Fire Prevention/Fire Department Safety & Health Coordinator for the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services State Fire Program. As a State Fire Prevention/Fire Department Safety & Health Coordinator he is responsible for providing expert guidance to fire departments throughout the state of Wisconsin on fire prevention codes, standards, and updates and community risk reduction initiatives. Gary was instrumental in assisting with establishing a statewide community risk reduction strategic plan and the development of the Wisconsin Fire Risk Reduction Tool which utilizes NFPA CRAIG 1300. Peck has completed and is a certified International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Officer IV, Fire Inspector III and Instructor III. He has taken the National Fire Academy’s Leadership Strategies for Community Risk Reduction and the NFIRS Program State Manager courses. Gary has been actively involved in many fire service organizations over the years to address emerging issues in emergency services: He is a National Fallen Firefighter Foundation Everyone Goes Home State Advocate and is also a Fire Service Practical Skills Examination State Representative appointed by the Wisconsin Technical College System Fire Service Education Office. Gary has impressive experience and knowledge in Community Risk Reduction. As a CRR Champion he is currently promoting the strategic planning process statewide and assisting with implementing, leading the National Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol Program in Wisconsin.
Ohio State Fire Marshal
Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention
Paul Martin Currently serves as the Assistant Chief of the Fire Prevention bureau. With 24 years in the fire service Paul has been a Firefighter/EMT, Rescue Diver, Fire LT, Fire Captain, and an Assistant Fire Chief. Paul is a Fire life safety educator 2 and Youth Fire misuse program manager. As well as the Training coordinator for all of Ohio Fire Academy Fire Prevention Courses. He is the State team leader for Sound off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol and has helped create and bolster many CRR efforts in the state of Ohio. When not working he enjoys Coaching his sons Baseball team, Camping and fishing, playing guitar, and spending time with His Daughter Emma and his Son Gage.
Shoreline Fire Department
Captain Heavy Rescue
Andrew Leith is a Captain assigned to the heavy rescue unit at the Shoreline Fire Department in Washington State. He has been serving the citizens of Shoreline since 2001. In his role, Andrew and his crew respond to routine emergency calls in their area, as well as all technical rescues in the region. Andrew is also a member of the Shoreline Fire Department Wildland Team, and he has deployed on several significant incidents in both Washington and California. Additionally, he is a member of FEMA USAR WA State Task Force 1.
After teaching disaster preparedness classes to citizens, Andrew Leith recognized a need for a more comprehensive solution and founded Dwell Secure. This app not only aids in disaster preparedness but also helps manage all systems in your home. Beyond his professional duties, Andrew enjoys time with his amazing wife and three great kids, all of whom are very active and fun to be around.
Frederick-Firestone Fire District
Community Risk Reduction Specialist
Kristen Hayes began her first responder career in 2009 when she worked as a 9-1-1 dispatcher for a multi-jurisdiction communication center in Denver, Colorado. Her career progressed when she completed the Fire Academy in 2013 and worked as a volunteer firefighter/EMT with South Adams County Fire District (SACFD) for three years. Kristen’s passion for serving her community grew beyond just responding to emergency calls for service. In 2017, Kristen made the switch to a full-time position within the SACFD Fire Prevention Division as a Fire Prevention Specialist overseeing Fire and Life Safety Education. During her tenure with SACFD, Kristen gained the experience of a Fire and Life Safety Educator, but as a Fire Investigator and a Fire Inspector. She earned many levels of certifications, including her FLSE 2, IAAI-FIT, and ICC Inspector 1, all while allowing Kristen to spread her knowledge and expertise in community risk reduction. Kristen is proud to be serving with the Frederick-Firestone Fire District (FFFD) as the department’s Community Risk Reduction Specialist. Since working for FFFD, Kristen has transitioned her focus to not just fire and life safety education, but to measurable community risk identification, prevention, and planning.
Kristen also helps lead a non-profit organization called Colorado Risk Reduction Network (CRRN), an organization for others who have a passion for providing CRR within Colorado and nearby states. CRRN’s purpose is to provide its members with CRR-related training, resources, and networking opportunities. Kristen has proudly served on the CRRN E-Board as the secretary and treasurer. Kristen presently serves as the CRRN President where she strives to support those with the same passion for community risk reduction that she has. She has experienced firsthand the importance of support (both internal and external) for CRR efforts when it comes to making a change. Her motto is “It only takes one person to stand up to make a change”.
Saint Albans Fire Department
Fire Marshal
Chris Collins has been the Fire Marshal for the City of Saint Albans Fire Department since 2018. I have been with Saint Albans Fire Department for over 12 years. In 2018 after our Chief approached me about taking a fire inspector class, while taking this class, I recognized the need for our city to have a Fire Marshal. We began building our Fire Marshal Division from the ground up and shortly after I became our city’s first Fire Marshal. In WV the fire marshal is also trained as law enforcement and has authority over all fire related offenses. My position is responsible for all fire/life safety inspections, fire investigation and community safety awareness. I am a certified fire officer, certified fire inspector, EMT, fire/ems instructor, CPR/First Aid instructor, child safety seat tech, firearms instructor, Stop the Bleed instructor and perform public classes to increase safety awareness throughout our city. My favorite part about being a fire marshal is I stay busy, and I get to be proactive in preventing emergencies from happening BEFORE they happen.
Charlotte Fire Department
Fire Educator
Maria Bostian is in her 21st year of Fire & Life Safety Education/Community Risk Reduction and serves as a Fire Educator for Charlotte Fire Department. Prior to joining the fire service, Bostian taught in the Montessori learning environment for over ten years having earned her American Montessori Society Elementary I & II credentials. She is a certified NC Level III Fire & Life Safety Educator, a NC Level III Fire Inspector, and a NC Level II Instructor. She has an M. Ed. in Montessori Integrative Learning from Endicott College. Bostian is active in injury prevention throughout the state of North Carolina. She serves as the Past-Chair for the Western Region Fire & Life Safety Educator Association and is a member of the NC Fire & Life Safety Education State Council and Conference Committee. She is a North Carolina representative for Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol. She also serves as Secretary for the Charlotte Fire Department History Museum Committee and as a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chapter of the Firefighters’ Burned Children’s Fund. Bostian is the 2020 NFPA Educator of the Year, the recipient of the 2017 NCFLSE B.T. Fowler Lifetime Achievement Award, and the recipient of the 2013 NCFLSE Award of Excellence. She is a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy and has authored several children’s injury prevention books.
Maple Grove Fire Department
Fire Inspector/Fire Safety Educator
Jeremy Berger is a Fire Inspector / Educator with the City of Maple Grove and a paid-on call firefighter with the City of New Brighton. He has a strong passion for education and worked as a K-12 visual arts teacher prior to joining the fire service full time. Jeremy is active with numerous local CRR initiatives. He is a member of the Minnesota State Fire Chief’s Public Education Committee where he assists with developing educational programs and managing one of the cooking fire safety trailers. He is a leader within the Hennepin County YFPI team. He is also a contract instructor with the National Fire Academy.
Jeremy has a B.A. and a B.F.A from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. In 2020, he completed his M.A. in Teaching from Bethel University. In his spare time, he enjoys swimming, playing guitar, camping and traveling.
RET. Farmington Hills Fire Department
Fire Inspector/Public Education Coordinator
Stan Barnes, a 28 year Retired / Farmington Hills Fire Department veteran with a strong Public Education background. Stan has been actively involved in Community Education and Public Speaking with a passion for Fire and Life Safety throughout his career. He has given much attention to community functions and school programs designed to promote life safety for all ages. Through community partnerships Stan has implemented and assisted in several programs that assist the Elderly and those with disabilities. Working closely with the State Fire Marshal for Michigan, Stan serves as a Community Outreach Educator, promoting educational messaging with the State Community Risk Reduction Task Force, MI-Prevention. Also privileged to volunteer and serve as the NFPA State Rep for public education. Stan also serves on the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society Executive Board, serving to assist over 750 Inspectors with various aspects of CRR and Fire and Life Safety, utilizing code education and enforcement to keep communities safe. Stan is most proud of the documented life saves through fire prevention.
Firefighter Burn Institute
Fire & Burn Prevention Coordinator
Rebecca Alessandri is the Fire and Burn Prevention Coordinator at the Firefighters Burn Institute in Sacramento, CA. She has diverse experience in public service, having worked as a Community Relations Specialist and Fire Inspector at Sacramento Metro Fire, a firefighter cadet, and an emergency medical technician. She is deeply involved and passionate about fire prevention advocacy and serves on the boards of Safe Kids Greater Sacramento and as Co-Chair of the Northern California Fire Prevention Officers – Public Education Committee. Rebecca is a graduate of Sierra College Regional Fire Academy and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Communication Studies.
National Volunteer Fire Council
Deputy CEO
Dr. Candice McDonald is a former NASA federal agent who has served almost two decades as a firefighter, EMT, EMS officer, CE instructor, fire inspector, and PIO. She is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Volunteer Fire Council, President of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association, and an adjunct marketing professor for Eastern Gateway Community College and the University of Arkansas. She holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree with a specialty in homeland security, a master’s degree in organizational leadership, a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, and an associate degree in human services.
Pocatello Fire Department / Bannock County Ambulance District
Community Risk Reduction Specialist
Kim Stouse is the Community Risk Reduction Specialist for the Pocatello Fire Department/Bannock County Ambulance District where she is assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau. She is responsible for the departments of CRR, Education, Outreach, Emergency Preparedness, Youth Firesetting, PIO and assisting with Fire Inspections. She joined the fire service in 2015. Prior to that she was a 911 Dispatcher and Juvenile Probation Officer. She has a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from American Military University, a Bachelors in Sociology from Idaho State University and is a nationally certified EMT. She is a very social person who loves being active in her community. She is the NFPA Education Representative for the State of Idaho, works with various community partners, and sits on several boards that work to address the needs within the community. She also is a member of the Idaho Region 3 All Hazards Incident Management Team. Kim is passionate about CRR and has been working diligently to move her agency towards adoption of the Community Risk Reduction model. When Kim is not at work, she loves to hang out with her amazing husband and 2 incredible and active sons and fur babies (dogs and cats). She loves to travel whenever she gets the opportunity to do so. She is extremely honored to be a part of the Champions and Emerging Leaders (CEL) Group and hopes to not only learn from this amazing team, but to share from her experiences.
Community Risk Reduction Specialist
Greenville Fire-Rescue
Sylvia R. Peace has been with Greenville Fire-Rescue (TX) since 2013 and is the Community Risk Reduction specialist for her department. Having worked for almost 30 years providing a variety of educational programs to residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities across several communities, she now serves the Greenville community providing fire and injury prevention education. Besides working to reduce risk in her community, she also serves on the IFSTA Fire and Life Safety Educator textbook validation committee for the upcoming fourth edition. She also served on the 2020 Edition of the NFPA’s Educational Messages Advisory Committee (EMAC) Desk Reference and served on the coaching team of the Vision 20/20 Symposium 7 Model Performance presenters. Additionally, she is a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy.
Roanoke Fire-EMS
CRR Specialist and Public Information Officer
Rachel Hale currently serves as the Community Risk Reduction Specialist and Public Information Officer for Roanoke Fire-EMS, in Roanoke, VA. Before beginning a career with the fire service, she worked in education and the nonprofit sector. She is very passionate about serving her community, and spends her time plawking (look it up!), volunteering as an advocate for local neighborhood groups, and being the full-time foster mom for her department’s new Fire Station Foster program, which brings shelter dogs to visit fire stations and helps them find forever homes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology from Oregon State University, and expects to be awarded a Master of Arts in Teaching from Hollins University in the fall of 2023. She enjoys traveling, live music, and spending time with her husband, Chris, a firefighter with the same department, and two sons, Malachi and River.
Nymbl Science
VP of Clinical
Dr. Nathan Estrada is the VP of Clinical for Nymbl Science and a subject matter expert on older adult balance training and fall prevention. He is a physical therapist by training receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Colorado Denver Health Science Center, where he also received the Hubert J. Levy Humanitarian Award in 2007. Professionally, he has worked in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, and home health, where he discovered a passion for empowering older adults to participate more fully in life. He was the program manager for Senior Living at Bayada Home, where he focused on older adult population health. Dr. Estrada believes we have bought into the lie that aging is less and that health decline is somehow a normal expectation of aging. He is validating that empowerment will always yield better results than fear and that healthcare should be fun. He believes we can better meet older adults’ needs by combining human connection with technology to impact results at a population level. His primary mission is to bring lasting solutions to older adults to meet the greatest anxiety points of aging, beginning with falls.
Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety
Fire Inspector / Public Educator
Mark Norford is a Fire Inspector/Public Educator with the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. He has been working for the last five years to bring awareness to the problem of home oxygen fires and encourage the installation of thermal fuses within the State of Wyoming and Nationally. Before working with the state, he worked for Cheyenne Fire and Rescue for nineteen years, serving in all aspects of the fire service. He retired as Division Chief of Training but previously held positions as the Division Chief of Prevention, Fire Inspector, Public Information Officer, Engineer, EMS Instructor, Paramedic, HAZMAT, and Technical Rescue. In addition, he has worked in prehospital EMS services and Emergency Departments for over twenty years. And he is constantly seeking new challenges and ways to serve the community.
State of Michigan Bureau of Fire Service
Fire Service Training Coordinator and MI Prevention CRR Division Chief
Kymberly Pashkowsky spent over 25 years in the fire, medical, and emergency trauma services. She is currently serving as the Fire Service Training Coordinator and MI Prevention CRR Division Chief for the State of Michigan Bureau of Fire Service. As president and founder of Lead on Solutions, she develops business and fire service leaders through team building, coaching and mentorship. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration Leadership. Pashkowsky completed the Michigan Fire Officer I, II and III programs and is a certified Fire Instructor I. Kymberly has been actively involved in many fire service organizations over the years to address emerging issues in emergency services: She has significant experience in Community Risk Reduction as a Technical Advisor with V20/20 to move strategic planning process statewide and nationally towards CRR, Sound Off Super State Advisor, Peer Support Advisor for Behavioral health, NFPA Responder Forum, member to Michigan Joint Fire Service Council with assignments towards Recruitment and Retention, Behavioral Health and Chair of the State Fire Conference “JC5”. Most recently, Kymberly was asked to become a board member of Firefighter Close Calls and heads up the Cardiac Health and Wellness site. Kymberly is a leader in championing diversity for the Volunteer Firefighters and Women Firefighters which is critical for the future of the fire service and has presented and been a keynote speaker at multiple events towards data, CRR, Cardiac Health, strategic planning, harassment/diversity, and inclusion, resiliency, and emotional intelligence in the fire service. Most recently, speaking at the Vision 20/20 conference and Congressional Fire Service (CSFI) in 2022.
Worcester Fire Department
Fire Lieutenant
Katie Harrington, Esq. is a Fire Lieutenant for the City of Worcester, MA. She has been with the Worcester Fire Department for over 20 years. She has spent time in suppression, training, investigations and fire prevention before transferring to the Public Education/Community Risk Reduction Unit. Katie has received many certifications in the fire service including FF I/II, Fire Instructor I/II, IAAI-FIT, Fire Officer I, Fire Prevention Officer I/II, Student Awareness of Fire Education, and YFPI Training. Katie educates adults throughout Worcester in Fire and Fall Safety and children in the schools about fire prevention and safety. She is the Fire Department Representative in Hub-Cor, Community Representative for Head-start Preschool Program, and the partner with The Red Cross for the smoke alarm installation program. She is also on the task force for the Senior Support Team and the MA Fire and Life Safety Education. She also teaches peers at the Massachusetts Fire Academy in areas of prevention, education, fire officer, instructor, and EMS. She also has taught for the National Fire Academy. Katie has been a part of many grants on both the State and Federal levels. Katie’s partnerships continue on a daily basis with work being done in the community. When not working, Katie can be found at the horse barn, sports complex, or dance competitions with her 5 children.
Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshall (OSFM)
Executive Officer
Joe Walters is the Executive Officer for the State Fire Marshal, with the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal (OSFM). As the first “Executive Officer ” Joe has been integral in moving the OSFM into the 21st century, from technology advancements, fleet refreshments, equipment needs to health and wellness awareness. Since 2016, he has also led a part in the agencies community risk reduction programs. He has been proactive in fire prevention programs throughout the State and has assisted with the dissemination of important fire & life saving information via social media and other platforms. He currently sits on the Mid Atlantic Life Safety Conference Committee as the operations command, trying to enhance the program. By trade he is a fire investigator and worked in the field for several years prior to the appointment of Executive Officer. He worked several high profile cases and made many arson and explosive related arrests. He has had the opportunity to sit in forums such as the Truman Symposiums and the FEMA AFG content development group. On his off time, he is a 20-year veteran of the volunteer fire service where he currently serves in the role of Captain. He has held many roles including Assistant Treasurer and Vice President. He is also an instructor for the National Safe Boating Council and specialize in the maritime rescue discipline. He and his wife own a small custom t-shirt business, which was started just before the birth of their child, in 2015. When not working, he loves sitting on the Chesapeake Bay on his boat or tearing up the mud four wheeling in the woods.
South Carolina State Fire
Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Outreach Program Coordinator
Jessica Sondgeroth is the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Outreach Program Coordinator with South Carolina State Fire. She also collaborates with leading fire organizations and fire departments through the statewide risk reduction program, Fire Safe South Carolina. The outreach section supports fire and life safety data analysis, curriculum coordination, and outreach efforts statewide. Specifically, she provides technical and professional support through outreach efforts to establish and sustain the community risk reduction process statewide. In addition to her role on the CRR team, Jessica also serves on the Palmetto Incident Support Team, and the Community Loss Education and Response (CLEAR) Team which researches fire-related fatalities. Jessica was selected to participate in the first national cohort of the Vision 20/20 CRR Emerging Leaders Academy. She presented the Fire Safe South Carolina program at the National Vision 20/20 Model Performance Symposium in Tennessee and was the keynote speaker at the New England Fire and Life Safety Conference in Massachusetts in 2022.
Champaign, IL Fire Department
Deputy Fire Marshall
Jeremy Mitchell is a 24 year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as Deputy Fire Marshal in the Champaign, IL Fire Department. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and American Military University, and is the author of ‘Fire Prevention in Your Business’ and has contributed to Firehouse and Public Administration magazines. Jeremy serves on the NFPA 1037 Technical Committee and is at work on his next book ‘Unimpeded by Progress: Application of Fire Prevention Programs in the United States’.
City of Brentwood (TN)
Fire Marshall
Division Chief Jeff Pender currently serves as the Fire Marshal for the city of Brentwood (TN), and has 26 years of experience in the fire service. Div. Chief Pender has a passion for life safety and Community Risk Reduction and is looking forward to serving with such a great group of people of the CEL Group.
Washington State Patrol – State Fire Marshall’s Office
Deputy State Fire Marshall
Esther Hernandez is a Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal with the Washington State Patrol – State Fire Marshal’s Office. She has been with WSP for 20 years; the last 17 years in the SFMO. As the supervisor for the Education, Enforcement, and Analytics Section within the SFMO, she is responsible to direct, plan, and provide management oversight of the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing and Certification Program, the Fireworks Licensing Program, the Fire Safe Cigarette Certification Program, the National Fire Incident Reporting System Program, Community Risk Reduction, and division Public Information. She has a degree in business from the University of Southern California. Fight on! On a personal note, her home life includes two felines that rule her life – Coco and Bean. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and drinking coffee.
Upper Darby Township PA
Fire Chief
Derrick J. V. Sawyer is a 35-year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as the F re Chief for Upper Darby Township PA. Chief Sawyer served as the 19 th Fire Commissioner of the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) from June of 2014 to May 2016. He provided leadership for the more than 2,400 members within the department. With a passion for educating the ommunity on the merits of safety and preparedness, he has become a sought-after public speaker and revels in the opportunity to engage the community, as well as public and private sector entities. Retiring from the PFD after 31 years of service, Sawyer served as the Fire Director for Trenton Fire and Emergency Services in Trenton New Jersey. Well versed in the facets of Emergency Response, Chief Sawyer served in every civil service rank within the PFD, as well as every Mayoral appointed position including Deputy Commissioner for both Technical Services and Operations. He’s held staff positions in the Technical Support Unit, headed the Department’s Homeland Security Division and has presented at the 9th Annual Montgomery County Chief Officers Seminar on the importance of information sharing as it relates to preparing for and preventing terrorist attacks. Over the past decade Chief Sawyer has traveled the globe to educate diverse communities on the effectiveness of Community Risk Reduction, and fire & life safety education. Among his most impactful presentations were the 2011 International Safety Seminar in Seoul Korea and the National Fire Protection Association’s Annual Conference. He led the award-winning Fire Prevention Division and because of his hands-on leadership, assisted the Fire Department in reducing the number of fire fatalities in the City of Philadelphia to its lowest rate in recorded history. Chief Sawyer was the 2011 recipient of the T. Seddon Duke Award for Fire Prevention. He served as the Chairperson for the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Urban Fire Safety Taskforce. Additionally, Chief Sawyer has served as a board member for St. Christopher’s foundation for Children, Northwest Victims Services, and the American Red Cross Southeastern PA Chapter. Chief Sawyer has augmented his academic accomplishments by graduating from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute and The Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education for State and Local Government. He has obtained certifications as Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor II, Fire Inspector, Hazardous Material Technician, and Firefighter II. Sawyer also holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Community College of Philadelphia, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Safety Administration from Holy Family University and a Master of Science degree in Homeland Security from Saint Joseph’s University.
Albemarle Fire Department
Fire Captain
Daniel is currently a Fire Captain on an engine company with the Albemarle Fire Department in North Carolina. He has worked for Albemarle for 15 years and has been involved in the fire service for 24 years. He currently assists with Albemarle FD’s fire and life safety and community risk reduction efforts. He oversees the smoke alarm program, orders and maintain fire prevention materials, and assists with events. He does what he can to stay connected at a state and local level. He participates in several state fire and life safety groups and has the pleasure of serving as the Fire Facilitator for Stanly County Safe Kids coalition. As an active member of the Safe Kids coalition, he assists in getting fire departments throughout the county involved in Safe Kid events, actively assists with car sear checks, diversion program, and assists with safety messaging at events, in schools and in daycares.
Chattanooga Fire Department
Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator
Captain Damien Vinson is with the Chattanooga Fire Department and serves as the Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety and Emergency Management and a Master of Science Degree in Leadership. Along with a career in the fire service Captain Vinson served for 23 years in the United States Army Reserves retiring in 2022.
Louisville Fire Department
Deputy Fire Marshall
Sgt. Ashby Green is a Deputy Fire Marshal at Louisville Fire Department, where her area of jurisdiction sees the highest frequency of building fires in Kentucky. Ashby balances that responsibility with specializing in Fire & Life Safety Education – she is the Kentucky Sound Off State Team Leader, founder and Chief of Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp, and member of NFPA Remembering When Advisory Committee. Ashby’s involvement with Vision 20/20 includes being the Kentucky SCEF delegate and Symposium 7 Minnow Tank participant.
Northern Indiana Safety Educators Association (NISEA)
Co-Founder & Chairman
Anthony Flynn has served as a firefighter/paramedic and community risk reduction specialist with Crown Point (IN) Fire-Rescue since 2016. In addition, Anthony serves as the co-founder and chairman for Northern Indiana Safety Educators Association (NISEA). Anthony has an unwavering goal of bringing Community Risk Reduction to the forefront of the Northwest Indiana fire Service and was most recently named “Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year” in the State of Indiana. Anthony has resided in “The Region” for 28 years. Anthony is married to his wife Karly and has a son Bentley, infant daughter Ella, and two German Shepherds Linus and Lucy.
Arvada Fire Department
CRR Specialist
Amber Jones started her career in the fire service 20 years ago with Wheat Ridge Fire Department as a volunteer, where she received her Fire Fighter I & II and Haz-Mat Operations certifications, as well as her EMT-B certification from Red Rocks Community College. She joined Arvada Fire in 2006 as a Communications Specialist in the 911 dispatch center and promoted to a shift lead. In 2015 Amber transitioned to the Community Risk Reduction division and currently works as a CRR Specialist. She has received her FLSE I, FLSE II, YFPI, Inspector I, and Instructor I certifications and has attended numerous NFA courses. Amber has a passion for helping and teaching older adults stay independent through fall prevention, resource navigation, and home safety visits. She is a third-generation member of the Arvada Fire Department. Her father and grandfather were both volunteers and she was raised around the fire stations. Amber’s ties to her community continue today, as she lives and works in Arvada. Amber enjoys the outdoors, staying active, meeting new people, helping those in need, and is currently working towards a blackbelt in karate with her son.
