The Center for Public Safety Excellence Board of Directors welcomed two new members this month: Chief Joseph Fernandez, CFO, as a member representing the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and Mr. Jim Brinkley, as a member representing the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). CPSE is governed by a nine-member board of directors that includes four appointees of its two founding organizations (IAFC and ICMA), one member from the IAFF, and four at-large members. The board elects a president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer, and hires a Chief Executive Officer to manage the corporation’s day-to-day operations. Each of CPSE’s dedicated board members contributes a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to the progression of the fire and emergency service.
Joseph Fernandez was appointed to lead the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services on June 9, 2016. Chief Fernandez began his fire rescue career with the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue in 1985. During his 27-year career with the City of Miami, he rose through the ranks to the position of Assistant Fire Chief. He also represented the agency as its Public Information Officer (PIO).
In July 2003, Chief Fernandez was appointed as the administrator of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Miami Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). During his five years as UASI Administrator, he was responsible for creating the governance and strategic model that brought together state, local and federal first responder agencies from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties to cooperatively execute the planning, organizing, training and equipping of South Florida’s emergency service providers.
Chief Fernandez holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Barry University. He completed a Certificate Program in Executive Development and Leadership from Florida International University and was certified by FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute as a graduate of its Advanced PIO Program.
Chief Fernandez received his designation as a Chief Fire Officer in 2015.
Jim Brinkley is the assistant to the General President, Technical Assistance and Information Resources with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Before his appointment as assistant to the General President, Jim served as the Director, Department of Occupational Health and Safety.
Prior to joining the IAFF Jim served for more than 21 years with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and 14 years as a member of the Prince George’s County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association, IAFF local 1619 Executive Board.
Prior to joining the CPSE Board of Directors, Jim served four years as a Commissioner on the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).