STEVEN M. GILLESPIE, Ed.D, started his fire service journey in 1993 and is a professor with Columbia Southern University’s College of Safety and Emergency Services, teaching fire service and leadership courses to current and aspiring leaders. Dr. Gillespie has held all ranks within the fire service, and has earned a doctor of education degree in organizational leadership and development and a master of science degree in executive leadership, a bachelor of arts degree in organizational leadership, and an associate of science in fire science technology.