New Ohio Fire Academy Superintendent Sworn In
Jack Smith is the new superintendent of the Ohio Fire Academy. He is responsible for overseeing all operations of the academy, including curriculum, training programs, training grounds, and personnel.
Jack Smith is the new superintendent of the Ohio Fire Academy, having been sworn in Jan. 22 by State Fire Marshal Jeff A. Hussey. Smith, of Dayton, takes over for former superintendent Steve Goheen, who retired from the position earlier this month, and he is responsible for overseeing all operations of the academy, including curriculum, training programs, training grounds, and personnel. The academy was founded in 1967.
Smith previously was the fire education coordinator at the Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS and has more than 32 years of combined fire service leadership experience, including serving as associate director of the National Center for Readiness at Wright State University for 10 years. He held the ranks of lieutenant, shift commander, training officer, safety officer, and battalion chief at Jefferson Township Fire Department in Montgomery County and Sharonville Fire Department in Cincinnati, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office.
"Jack's main priority will be continuing to ensure the delivery of high-quality instruction and programming and working to expand the access of training throughout the state," Ohio Department of Commerce Director Jacqueline T. Williams said. "With his leadership and training experience, he is well suited to help the academy continue to provide world-class training to the fire service."
The announcement said Smith also has served as a member of Ohio Task Force One, which serves the state and the nation as one of the top urban search and rescue teams. "We are excited to welcome Jack to our team," Hussey said. "He is a passionate fire service instructor and leader, and the Ohio Fire Academy will benefit greatly from his experience and expertise."
Smith earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Cedarville University and a master's degree in emergency and disaster management from American Public University.