Derek Alkonis is an assistant chief for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Over his 27-year career, Alkonis has been instrumental in establishing the Los Angeles County Fire Department as a leader in fireground safety and fire service wellness/ fitness. A firm proponent of training, Alkonis has developed and implemented innovative programs supporting fireground tactics, survival and firefighter health. He is a member of the IAFF/ IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative Technical Committee and UL’s Firefighter Safety Research Institute Advisory Board. Alkonis holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California, San Diego.