Todd Smith Jacksonville

Todd Smith of Jacksonville has established his career through decades of service in emergency management and public safety. His professional path demonstrates a steady dedication to preparing communities, improving systems, and guiding collaborative efforts that protect residents in times of need.

Approach to Service

‍At the heart of his work is the belief that planning and teamwork create lasting safety. He emphasizes fairness, inclusion, and practical solutions to ensure that emergency systems serve all residents effectively. His approach blends operational knowledge with leadership that values cooperation.

Leadership Across Roles

Over the years, he has taken on various responsibilities, including Emergency Manager, Fire and Rescue Director, Division Chief, Special Security Coordinator, and Urban Area Security Initiative Administrator. Each role offered him opportunities to strengthen programs, advance preparedness strategies, and improve coordination across agencies. These experiences shaped his ability to handle complex challenges with clarity and structure.

Academic Path

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Public Administration with High Academic Distinction, an MBA, an MPA, a Graduate Executive Certificate in Public Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. This strong foundation enables him to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that planning and execution align with the needs of the public.

Professional Certifications

Todd Smith of Jacksonville holds multiple professional credentials simultaneously. Among them are Chief Fire Officer, Florida Professional Emergency Manager, Certified Emergency Manager, and Master Exercise Practitioner. He is also certified as a State Fire Officer I–IV and Pro-Board Fire Officer I–IV, while being credentialed in all Incident Command and General Staff roles. His instructor qualifications enable him to pass on knowledge to others, thereby strengthening readiness across organizations.

Early Career Development

His public service journey began in 1992. He advanced through fire and rescue ranks before managing special operations training. His responsibilities included urban search and rescue, hazardous materials response, airport and shipboard firefighting, and wildland-urban interface programs. These assignments provided him with valuable field experience that informs his leadership today.

Recognition and Continuing Service

His contributions have been honored through awards such as a Valor and Exceptional Service Award and a university excellence award. While he values these acknowledgments, he sees them as a reflection of team achievement rather than personal recognition. Today, Todd A Smith of Jacksonville continues to guide emergency planning, mentor colleagues, and support inclusive training, ensuring communities remain resilient and prepared for the future.