Logistics Section

The Logistics Section Commitment

The Logistics Section ensures operational readiness through proactive planning, reliable support systems, and effective interagency coordination. With every action we take, we demonstrate Respect, act with Integrity, promote Teamwork, and strive for Excellence—upholding the core values that define the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority.

Supporting Operational Excellence Across the Authority

The Logistics Section of the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority plays a critical role in ensuring operational success through planning, coordination, resource management, and comprehensive support services. Under the leadership of Assistant Chief Eric Kriwer and Deputy Chiefs Kane Nixon, Brad Puckett, and Robert Olmstead, the Logistics Section is dedicated to advancing the Authority’s RITE values: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence.

Community Risk Management Division

Leadership: Deputy Chief Robert Olmstead

Team Members:

Deputy Fire Marshal Al Velasquez
Deputh Fire Marshal Nic Jones

Public & Responder Safety (Enforcement, Engineering)

Conduct plan reviews, construction inspections, system testing, and business inspections.
Support life safety during public events and compliance enforcement.
Ensure that fire protection systems and access requirements comply with current codes and standards.
Collaborate with operations to maintain responder safety through pre-incident planning and hazard identification.

Public Education (Education)

Provide school fire safety programs, CPR/AED training, and fire extinguisher education.
Host community safety fairs, station tours, and open houses to increase fire prevention awareness.
Distribute seasonal safety campaigns (e.g., holiday, wildfire, and summer safety) through multiple outreach platforms.
Partner with local organizations and media to broaden the reach of public safety messaging.

Community Services (Education, Economic Incentives)

Coordinate smoke detector walks, car seat fittings, lockbox installations, and home safety inspections via Fire Corps volunteers.
Offer support programs for vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Assist residents in navigating and accessing safety improvement programs and grants.
Promote neighborhood risk reduction through localized engagement and safety awareness efforts.

Emergency Response Support (Emergency Response)

Provide post-incident follow-up support for displaced or impacted families.
Assist in fire investigations and cause determination to support community awareness and prevention efforts.
Collaborate with suppression personnel to address recurring or emerging community hazards.

Incentives & Risk Reduction Programs (Economic Incentives)

Advocate for and administer cost-effective programs that reduce fire risk (e.g., free smoke alarms, risk reduction rebates).
Encourage compliance through education-first approaches, reserving enforcement for when appropriate.
Partner with community stakeholders to leverage resources for greater risk reduction outcomes.

Planning / Intergovernmental / Health, Safety & Wellness Division

Leadership: Deputy Chief Kane Nixon

Team Members:

Division Chief Jason Jessamine – Emergency Manager
Matt Licardi – Wellness Coordinator
Maggie Noll – Wellness Specialist
Will Burner – Intelligence Specialist
Captain Chuck Bouton – HALO and Accreditation
Captain Johnny Padilla – Public Information Officer

Public Information

Foster public trust through accurate, timely, and transparent communication on Authority activities and emergency incidents.
Manage incident communications, media relations, and community outreach across digital platforms, social media, and traditional media outlets.
Promote education and awareness through campaigns, press releases, and coordinated messaging during critical incidents.

Intergovernmental Affairs

Represent the Authority in regional partnerships, coalitions, and governmental working groups at the local, county, state, and federal levels.
Advocate for policies, funding, and regulatory initiatives that support enhanced fire, EMS, and all-hazards service delivery.
Serve as a liaison to elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies to strengthen interagency coordination.

Health & Safety

Lead Authority-wide programs focused on injury prevention, physical fitness, and operational health.
Support behavioral health, critical incident response, and post-incident stress mitigation strategies.
Utilize trend analysis and risk data to reduce occupational hazards and foster a culture of safety proactively.

Planning

Guide strategic and long-range planning initiatives aligned with the Authority’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan.
Lead planning efforts for future service delivery, capital improvement, and organizational development.
Facilitate internal planning processes that support growth, innovation, and sustainable operations.

Emergency Management

Maintain and regularly update the Authority’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and hazard response frameworks.
Coordinate multi-agency training exercises, community preparedness efforts, and post-incident improvement planning.
Support jurisdictional readiness through regional collaboration, resource management, and alignment with best practices in emergency management.

Homeland Security & Intelligence

Conduct ongoing hazard and threat assessments to support preparedness and resource allocation.
Manage fire service threat liaison activities and coordinate with regional, state, and federal intelligence partners.
Develop and maintain plans that support the protection of critical infrastructure, sensitive facilities, and cyber systems.

Employee Wellness

Deliver a comprehensive wellness program focused on physical, mental, and emotional health.
Coordinate peer support, critical incident stress management (CISM), and access to employee assistance programs (EAP).
Provide resources and guidance for line-of-duty death (LODD) response, family support, and recovery after high-stress incidents.

Support Services Division

Leadership: Deputy Chief Brad Puckett

Team Members:

Nick Hricziscse – Fleet Manager
Ben Loveless, Vince Eversole, Michael Dulgar, Colton Grimes – Fleet Techs II
Kurt Sorensen – Facilities Manager
Kyler Monares – Facilities Tech II
Liz DeLara – Resource Manager
Steve Welch – Resource Tech

Fleet Services

Maintain, repair, and manage the full lifecycle of all Authority apparatus and support vehicles to ensure operational readiness and safety.
Conduct regular preventative maintenance, annual inspections, and emergency repairs to meet compliance and performance expectations.
Ensure all vehicles meet safety, emissions, and mechanical standards through scheduled service intervals and performance tracking.
Utilize fleet management software to monitor service history, maintenance schedules, and asset utilization.

Facilities Management

Oversee maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements across all Authority facilities to support uninterrupted emergency operations.
Ensure fire stations and support buildings meet safety, health, and functionality standards for operational and living environments.
Coordinate infrastructure upgrades including electrical, HVAC, generator systems, and energy efficiency enhancements.
Support emergency facility operations and continuity planning through backup systems and facility readiness initiatives.

Logistics & Supply

Manage the procurement, warehousing, and distribution of essential equipment, including PPE, uniforms, medical supplies, and operational gear.
Maintain accurate inventory systems to support readiness, lifecycle tracking, and compliance with safety and expiration standards.
Provide timely resupply and logistical support to frontline personnel for daily operations, training, and emergency deployments.
Ensure continuity of the supply chain through strategic vendor relationships and proactive resource management.

Technology & Communications

Oversee all communications and technology infrastructure, including radios, station alerting systems, mobile data terminals (MDTs), and IT networks.
Ensure system reliability, cybersecurity, and 24/7 support for mission-critical communications and data operations.
Facilitate regional interoperability through coordinated radio programming, frequency management, and shared communications protocols.
Implement emerging technologies to enhance situational awareness, operational coordination, and data-driven decision-making.

Wildland Division

Leadership: Assistant Chief Eric Kriwer

Team Members:

Battalion Chief Spencer Snyder
Engineer Vince Nielsen
Combines fire science, land management, leadership, and interagency coordination to reduce wildfire risk
Coordinates prevention, mitigation, and preparedness efforts
Manages day-to-day operations of wildland fire crews
Oversees budgets, equipment, and compliance with safety regulations
Works closely with local, state, and federal agencies
Supervises staff, ensuring they’re trained to NWCG standards
May serve as an Incident Commander, Engine Boss, or other operational roles

Wildland Prevention Information