Email: dsimmons@ggu.edu

Demond Simmons is a proud fire service member with over 28 years of experience.  He began his fire service career in 1997 with the Burlingame (CA) Fire Department in San Mateo County.  In 1999, he was hired by the Oakland Fire Department (OFD).  During his tenure in Oakland, Demond has served as a firefighter, firefighter-paramedic, engineer, lieutenant, captain, training captain, battalion chief, and deputy chief.  He currently serves as one of two deputy chiefs reporting to the fire chief’s office.  In his role as deputy chief, Demond oversees several key initiatives and business functions: strategic planning, capital improvement projects, professional development standards, contracts & grants, fleet management, facilities, and community engagement strategies.  Additionally, he is OFD’s representative on the city manager’s citywide strategic plan working group.

Demond graduated from Independence High School (San Jose) in 1991.  His educational accomplishments include an A.S. in Fire Science (Mission College), B.S. in Business Marketing (San Jose State), MBA (Hayward State), M.A. in Homeland Security Studies (Naval Postgraduate School), M.A. in Public Management (Johns Hopkins University), and a doctorate (DBA) degree from Golden Gate University.

Demond is an avid proponent of operational readiness (training & education), community hazard reduction efforts, innovation, inclusiveness, and preparing the next generation of men & women who will serve in the fire service! The IFSTA family does an excellent job in promoting all of the above.

Demond is an active member with several professional organizations.  He currently serves as an executive board member for the International Association of Fire Chiefs Company Officer Section, the International Society of Fire Service Instructor, and the International Fire Service Training Association.  Other memberships include the International Association of Black Professional Firefighter (former chapter president and regional director), National Forum for Black Public Administrators, International City/County Management Association, and the California Fire Chiefs Association.

Demond was born in Muskegon (Michigan) and raised in San Jose (California).  Oakland has been home for the last 25 years.