by Bethany Priest, Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University alumnus Jack Smith has been named superintendent of the Ohio Fire Academy (OFA). His appointment was announced Monday, Jan. 22.
As superintendent of the OFA, Smith will oversee the strategic planning, budget, operations, curriculum development and the 127 personnel involved in the training of 17,000 future emergency responders educated by OFA each year.
The OFA is a bureau within the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of the State Fire Marshal and is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress. Graduates of the OFA receive certification recognized in 39 states, the District of Columbia and six foreign countries.
“Because of the Academy’s statewide influence, we have the opportunity to impact the culture of the fire service by exemplifying a strong commitment to excellence in our profession,” said Smith. “This is the pinnacle of our industry, so it’s humbling and a little awe-inspiring to see how God has worked in my life to prepare me for this position.”
Since graduating from Cedarville University in 1990 with a degree in business administration, Smith went on to earn a masters’ degree in emergency and disaster management from American Public University. He has held various positions as a first responder, educator and administrator.
Smith has served as fire department lieutenant and battalion chief of the Sharonville Fire Department, was the associate director at Wright State University’s National Center for Medical Readiness and state fire training coordinator for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. He’s also been a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ohio Task Force One.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.