DEREK WILLIAMS serves as the Battalion 203 safety officer for the Mesa, AZ, Fire and Medical Department (MFMD) where he has been a firefighter for over 22 years. Over his 25-year firefighter-paramedic career, Williams earned certifications from the State of Arizona, FDSOA and FEMA as a fire department incident safety officer (ISO), and fire department health/wellness and safety officer (HSO). He is an author and instructor and has degrees in fire service management and paramedicine. Williams is currently researching and studying in the Emergency and Disaster Management program at American Military University.