Chuck Smeby

Male

Ocala, Florida

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization
N/A
Job Function
Training Officer
Years in Fire/EMS:
40+
Primary Fire/EMS Department:
University of Florida, Fire & Emergency Services Distance Learning Program, Gainesville, Florida
Years With Department/Agency
10
Dept. Web Site:
http://classes.bcn.ufl.edu/fes
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad
College Park Volunteer Fire Department
Prince George's County, Maryland, Fire Department (retired Battalion Chief)
My Training:
Fire Officer IV
EMT
About Me:
L. Charles (Chuck) Smeby, Jr.

Mr. Smeby is a faculty member at the University of Florida. His primary responsibility is to develop, create and present courses and provide administrative support for the Fire and Emergency Service Bachelor’s distance learning program. In 1998, he was an academic instructor at the Florida State Fire College for this same Bachelor's degree program teaching for six years.

Previously, for six years, he was a Senior Fire Service Specialist at National Fire Protection Association in the Public Fire Protection Division. In that capacity, he coordinated several NFPA fire service technical committees and provided guidance to the implementation, understanding and the intent of NFPA fire service standards.

Before joining NFPA, Mr. Smeby completed a twenty-year career with the Prince George’s County, Maryland, Fire Department retiring as a Battalion Chief. In this capacity, he administered, advised and/or participated in management, emergency operations, and planning for this fire and emergency service department serving over 750,000 residents.

His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. He also was a part time faculty member in the Fire Science programs at Prince George’s Community College, Largo, Maryland and the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. Finally, he served as a US Navy medic assigned to the Marine Corps with service in Vietnam.

He is the author of Fire & Emergency Services Administration, Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2006.
Relationship Status:
Married
Why I Joined Fire/EMS
I was first exposed to emergency services volunteering in my home town.
Why I Love Fire/EMS
Helping others during a emergency.
Top Issues Facing Responders:
Firefighter safety especially preventing heart attacks.
Credentialling and common trainging/certification accross the country.

Comment Wall:

  • Jim aka Bick

    JUST DROPPING BY TO SAY WELCOME TO FIREFIGHTER NATION, ADD ME IF YOU WANT TO AND BE SAFE OUT THERE

    Mar 3, 2008

  • Chuck Smeby

    We are growing slowly, but steadily. This semester we have 4 graduates, which is a record for us. If any of your firefighters are considering a bachelor's degree, please send them to http://classes.bcn.ufl.edu/fes/
    On another subject, I know that you are very interested and involved in firefighter safety. I have an idea that could encourage many fire departments to adopt both medical exams and physical fitness programs. If you are interested, I would like to explain it to you in a 15-minute phone call. Let me know a good time when you are not busy.

    Thanks, Chuck

    Apr 18, 2008