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A Letter from our Chair Dr. Hezedean Smith
With more than three decades of distinguished service in the fire and emergency medical services profession, Dr. Smith’s career includes leadership at the metropolitan level, experience as a
paramedic educator, EMS chief, military medic, and a long-standing commitment to advancing professional standards in fire and emergency services across the United States and the Caribbean. He served as an EMS Operations Chief in Orlando before retiring after 24 1/2 years, then later as the first Black Fire Chief in Virginia, and again in Florida. He is a member of the IAFC Metro Chiefs (Retired) section and a member of the Institute for Fire Engineers (USA and Caribbean & South America).
Dr. Smith’s professional credentials reflect the depth of his commitment to excellence and lifelong learning, including Certified Fire Officer (CFO), Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO), Nationally
Registered Paramedic (NRP), Certified Public Manager (CPM), Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS), and Executive Fire & EMS Officer (EFO-EMSO). Dr. Smith’s experience,
continuity of service, and commitment to the mission of the BCOC position, the stability organization and forward progress as it continues its important work in support of its members and
the fire service profession
Thank you.
BCOC New Executive Board Members
Vice Chair - Retired Fire Chief John Alston
Chief Alston brings more than 40 years of fire service and emergency management leadership,
including service as Fire Chief and Chief Officer in both New Haven and Jersey City. He is an
internationally recognized instructor, executive coach, and leadership trainer with a long-
standing commitment to developing fire officers and emergency leaders. His people-centered
leadership philosophy is an asset to the BCOC.
Executive Coordinator - Ms. Donna Gayden
Ms. Gayden is a former City Manager with extensive experience in municipal leadership, financial recovery, and public administration. She holds advanced education in law, accountancy, and communications and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Her administrative expertise will provide strong operational support to the Executive Board.
Words from the Chair
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(All Chief Officers)
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Associate Members
(Lieutenants and Captains)
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Retired Members
(Retirees all ranks)
Highlights from the 2025 BCOC Conference and Symposium
About Us
The BCOC is a premier educational and networking organization representing Black Chief Officers in emergency response and preparedness services in the United States, Africa, United Kingdom, and the Caribbean.
The Latest News
We would like to acknowledge and thank Chief Tiffanye Wesley for her service as Chair of the Black Chief Officers Committee. As a trailblazer and the first Black woman to serve in this role, Chief Wesley brought dedication, professionalism, and leadership to the organization during her tenure. We are grateful for the time and commitment shedevoted to advancing the BCOC's mission and appreciate the foundation she helped strengthen during her service. Chief Wesley remains committed to the principle of "Lifting as We Climb" andcontinues to be a valued resource, mentor, and advocate for the fire service profession.
Golden becomes the third Black fire chief in Jacksonville florida’s history. His appointment comes 30 years after Ray Alfred was recruited from Washington, D.C., by then-Mayor John Delaney. Congratulations!
First Time but Not the Last Time
Today’s Black History Month moment 2/12/25: First time in the Trenton Fire Department, we have two African American Battalion Chief’s riding today as North and South Battalion
Shout out to Syracuse's First
On August 15, 1954 The City of Syracuse hired Chester Whiteside as the first black Fire Fighter. He changed the landscape and eventually became the area director for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
FDNY's First Black Officer
On Sept. 16, 1927, Wesley Williams made history as the first Black FDNY firefighter promoted to fire officer. Today, his legacy lives on. Each June, the FDNY proudly awards the Chief Wesley Williams Medal for bravery at Medal Day.
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Member Highlights
Congratulations on your distinguished career and service to the “all hazards” response profession. Chief Green has been tapped to join the administrative team of Prince Georges, County.
Congratulations to brother Albert Alston. Fire Chief Alston has accepted a new role as Assistant City Manager in Wilson, NC.
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Well said Chief Folsom
Chief Dixon Black History
"Keeping our communities safe is among the most sacred responsibilities of local government, and finding the right person to lead the fire department and its valued members is critical to its success," … I look forward to chief Dixon getting started in this position and carrying on the department’s legacy of excellence." Said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.
Congratulations! Deputy Chief Gregory Lawrence hung up his gear and retired from the Baltimore Washington International Airport Fire Rescue.
With nearly 40 years of dedicated service, Fire Chief Robert Rawls retired from the New Brunswick Fire Department. Congratulations Chief Rawls!
Chief Brewton appointed the new BCOC Executive Coordinator. Chief Brewton serves as the Fire Chief of the City of Spartanburg Fire Department in South Carolina.
Chief Travis Francis appointed the new BCOC Public Information Officer. Chief Francis currently serves as the Public Information Officer for the Baltimore County Fire Department in Maryland.
Legislation and Policy
Please visit the Congressional Fire Service Institute for issues impacting us all.
Support for a National Wildfire Intelligence Center
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Padilla, Sheehy, Hickenlooper, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Unified National Wildfire Intelligence Center
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Modeled after National Weather Service and NOAA Water Center, would coordinate fire response amongst various federal, state, and academic institutions
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Southern California rebuilds from devastating fires, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) announced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. The joint office, created between the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of the Interior, would facilitate coordination and information sharing across federal and state departments and agencies, tribal entities, academia, and the private sector on wildland fires.
Supporting First Responder Cancer Fight
02.10.2025
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Blumenthal & Senators Introduce Legislation to Support First Responders with Service-Related Cancers
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Cancer is the most common cause of firefighter deaths; Legislation provides federal benefits & care for firefighters with cancer & their families
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[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined his colleagues, led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), in the reintroduction of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. The bipartisan legislation, which passed unanimously (21-0) out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last Congress, would expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11-related illnesses. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would ensure that firefighters and other first responders across the country are eligible to receive cancer-related benefits under the federal PSOB program.
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