Leading the Future of Emergency Services

Dr. Hezedean Smith, a proud Jamaican 🇯🇲, is a versatile, achievement-driven leader, educator, and researcher with over 30 years of experience in emergency services, fire and EMS administration, military service, and academia. Known for his strategic leadership and forward-thinking vision, he has dedicated his career to advancing public safety systems, operational excellence, and professional development throughout the United States and the Caribbean.

Elite Credentials & Certifications

A United States Air Force veteran, Dr. Smith has been a dedicated emergency services professional since 1988 and holds an extensive array of elite credentials and certifications, including:

• Doctor of Management (DM)
• Chief Fire Officer (CFO)
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO)
• Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO)
• Certified Public Manager (CPM)
• Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer (CACO)
• Certified Health Care Simulation Educator (CHSE)
• Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS)
• State of Florida Paramedic
• Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP)
• American Heart Association Instructor (BLS, ACLS, PALS)

Research & Academic Leadership

A seasoned mixed-methods researcher, Dr. Smith integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches to inform evidence-based decision-making in areas such as social sciences, emergency services, disaster response, healthcare, public safety policy, and system optimization.

His commitment to education is reflected in his academic roles, including:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Current Faculty
• Columbia Southern University – Past Faculty
• Valencia College – Past Faculty

Professional Affiliations & Contributions

Dr. Smith maintains active involvement in key professional organizations, through which he continues to shape the evolution of emergency services globally:

• American College of Paramedic Executives (FACPE)
• National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA)
• Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC)
• Florida Fire Chiefs Association (FFCA)
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
• National EMS Educators Association (NAEMSE)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE - USA Branch)
• Black Chief Officers’ Committee
• Central Florida Medical Disaster Coalition
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)

Connect, Collaborate

Whether you're seeking expertise in emergency response systems, leadership development, simulation-based education, or strategic planning, our team offers a unique combination of operational insight, academic rigor, and international experience to guide your organization forward.