Fire Chief (ret.)
Lincoln Fire & Rescue
Lincoln, Nebraska
Chief Despain has over 37 years of experience in the public safety field, previously serving as fire chief for the City of Clovis (CA) and the City of Lincoln (NE). He has also served as interim fire chief for the cities of Fresno (CA), Rocklin (CA), Piedmont (CA), as well as a second time serving Lincoln (NE), and most recently as an interim deputy chief for the city of Redmond (WA). He is currently serving as a consultant specializing in helping fire service agencies meet their community's expectations for diversity, equity, and inclusivity through strategic planning and proven solutions.
Chief Despain has served as a subject matter expert and consultant on fire and EMS projects for the U.S. Fire Administration and Center for Public Safety Excellence. He has also served as a board member for the League of California Cities and California Fire Chiefs Association, developing policy and legislation on numerous state and national fire service issues. He speaks regularly at a broad array of conferences and training venues on emergency service outcomes, professional development, and other contemporary issues facing the fire service. Over the years he has made substantial contributions to written publications and standards development in fire and life safety and has been an adjunct instructor at National University, providing graduate-level instruction on safety/environmental program management.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Thursday, August 25, 2022
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM