Drew R. Smith, EFO, CFO, LP is the Fire Chief of the Prospect Heights (IL) Fire District. He has been a member of the fire service for more than 40 years and a chief officer for the past 34 serving in volunteer, part-time, private, and municipal career departments. From 1989 until 2016 he was responsible for all training in Prospect Heights.
A licensed paramedic since 1981, he holds multiple advanced certifications from the Illinois State Fire Marshal in the areas of firefighting, technical rescue, and hazardous materials, chief officer, as well as Instructor I-IV and Training Program Manager. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program. He is a member of several state and national fire service organizations including the IAFC and ISFSI. He has presented at international Fire Department Instructors Conference – FDIC – numerous times over the past 26 years.
His experiences include the formation of a new fire department, implementation of paramedic transport ambulances into existing fire departments, transitions from volunteer to career staff, the implementation of a first aerial apparatus into fire departments, and the formation and operation of two recruit fire academies. Extensive experience in training and operational program development and management, leadership and supervision of mid-level managers. Development of policies, procedures, and guidelines. Creation and management of emergency medical services, public fire safety education programs, media relations, and apparatus and equipment purchasing and maintenance. Serve as liaison between fire department and its regional EMS system, regional mutual aid network, and regional dispatch center. Experienced in establishment of a new paramedic services, new fire department, initial hiring of full-time and promotion of personnel, and collective bargaining. Command officer at numerous incidents including extra-alarm fires, technical rescue incidents, and multi-casualty situations.
Between 2009 and 2016 he served as the director of the Northeastern IL Public Safety Training Academy – NIPSTA – Firefighter Academy which trains both entry-level and incumbent career members. Currently he serves on the NIPSTA Executive Committee as Vice President. He has been a member of the MABAS Division 3 Technical Rescue Team since its founding in 1988, its director between 1992 and 2012, and liaison to the regional joint chiefs from 2012-2018. Between 2002 and 2012, he served as the chair of the MABAS-IL Statewide Technical Rescue committee coordinating 39 regional teams. Since 2003 he has served as an adjunct faculty at Oakton Community College instructing AAS candidates who seek a career in the fire service.
Currently, Chief Smith is the President of the Board of Directors of the Northeastern IL Public Safety Training Academy – NIPSTA.