The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians has endorsed the appointment of Chief R. David Paulison as Acting Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response and head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"We're happy to see President Bush appoint a leader with a solid background in emergency services," said NAEMT President Elect Jerry Johnston. "The leadership and experience Chief Paulison brings to these roles is refreshing. His on-the-ground experience in both fire and emergency medical services is much needed. His demonstrated ability to lead in Miami and at the USFA is reassuring in the aftermath of the recent hurricane."
Paulison is a 30-year veteran of fire, rescue and EMS. From 1992 to 2001, he served as fire chief in Miami-Dade, where he oversaw 1,900 personnel with a $200 million operating budget and a $70 million capital budget. He also oversaw the county's emergency management office.
Paulison began his career as a rescue firefighter and rose through the ranks to rescue lieutenant, battalion commander, district chief of operations, division chief, assistant chief and then deputy director for administration before becoming chief. His emergency management experience includes Hurricane Andrew and the crash of ValuJet Flight 592.
A native of Miami, Paulison earned a bachelor of arts from Florida Atlantic University and completed the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Paulison was selected as fire chief of the year by Florida in 1993. He was a certified paramedic and member of the Miami-Date Urban Search and Rescue Task Force. He is also past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Paulison served as director of the Preparedness Division of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Directorate/FEMA from 2003 to 2004. He has served as the administrator for the U.S. Fire Administration since December 2001. As head of the U.S. Fire Administration, Paulison supported state and local fire service programs and oversaw programs to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies in partnership with fire protection and emergency service communities.
"Chief Paulison understands the important role EMS plays in emergency response, and we look forward to working with him," said Johnston.