Polk County Manager announced that Dr. Hezedene Smith will be the next Fire Chief of Polk County Fire Rescue. Chief Smith, who is expected to be confirmed by the BOCC on November 1
With over 32 years in the emergency services profession and a veteran of the United States Air Force, Dr. Smith (Assistant Chief) has served the Orlando Fire Department since 1996. He has a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. He is recognized nationally and internationally with various credentials in public service, EMS, and the Fire Service. He is known by the Center for Public Safety Excellence as a Chief Fire Officer and a Chief Emergency Medical Services Officer.
Dr. Smith completed the Executive Fire Officer-Emergency Services Officer program at the University of Florida, and is a Certified Public Manager, Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, Certified Occupational Safety Specialist, and Certified Paramedic. He is a member of the Black Chief Officers’ Committee, Florida Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Institute of Fire Engineers (USA), and the National EMS Educators Association. Dr. Smith is also a part-time faculty member at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Columbia Southern University and taught EMS at Valencia College for over fifteen years.
He is the Chief Operating Officer for Global Emergency Services Consulting Group, Board Member of the Central Florida Disaster Medical Coalition, and while in his current role as the EMS Operations Chief for OFD. Dr. Smith contributes to activities related to Information & Technology, 911 Communications, and Accreditation. As the previous EMS Chief responsible for Administration, his accountabilities included all aspects of the EMS operations, budgeting, EMS grants, service delivery, education, and training.
He is a Technical Committee member for the National Fire Protection Agency, on the Board of Directors for the National EMS Management Association, a mentor for UCLA’s Prehospital Care Research Foundation, Society for Simulation in Healthcare EMS Affinity Group, Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs, and as a Fellow for the American College of Paramedic Executives.
Dr. Smith continuously pursues opportunities to expand his community engagement, leadership, management skills, and experiences through research and speaking at local, national, and international conferences. His goal is to further contribute to the noble initiatives here in the United States and across CARICOM through engagement with corporate professionals and non-profit organizations.
