Director, National Fire and Emergency Medical Services Division
U.S. Fire Administration
Emmitsburg, Maryland, United States
Chief Richard W. Patrick, (Rick) is Director of National Fire and Emergency Medical Services Directorate for the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The USFA is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA). Chief Patrick joined the USFA in Spring 2018. The National Fire Programs Directorate leads the administrations, Data, Research, Prevention, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Strategic Communications, and Response Mission. In May 2023, Chief Patrick received the prestigious James O. Page Achievement Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs for his fire service based EMS leadership with a positive impact nationally.
Chief Patrick began his service with DHS in June 2008 as Chief of the Medical First Responder Coordination Division in the DHS HQ Office of Health Affairs (OHA) where he led outreach to the first responder community and the development of the Departments Emergency Medical Services System. He then served as the Deputy Director and Director (acting) of the Workforce Health & Medical Support Division with the OHA. In 2015, Mr. Patrick was selected by DHS and served a one-year Brookings Congressional Legislative Fellowship in the United States Senate. Mr. Patrick was Senior Advisor for First Responder Policy to the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs & Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prior to joining the U.S. Fire Administration.
Over his extensive career, Mr. Patrick has served in many capacities, including firefighter, fire lieutenant, fire captain, emergency medical technician, paramedic, flight medic, administrator, chief executive officer, EMS chief and chief fire officer. He served as a Division Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for the Estero Fire Rescue District (FL) prior to joining DHS. Rick is the former Director of EMS Programs and Emergency Service Initiatives for VFIS, and a former Chief of EMS for Lebanon Pennsylvania. He also served on one of the first Quick Response Medical Units in Pennsylvania in the late 1970’s. Chief Patrick was presented with a ‘Life Membership’ award in 2008 from the Union Hose Co (Annville, PA) Fire Department for twenty plus years of service. In 2010, the International Association of Fire Chiefs EMS Section bestowed a “Meritorious Service Award” to Chief Patrick for his dedication, service, and work toward the betterment of the emergency medical services industry. Mr. Patrick has received several DHS Special Awards during his homeland security tenure and was recognized in 2020 as an Honorary Life Member of the Wheaton (MD) Volunteer Rescue Squad for his years of service on their board of directors.
At the national level, Mr. Patrick has been actively involved with emergency services organizations, taking on key leadership positions and a seasoned public speaker. He served as Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) National Advisory Committee in Washington, D.C.; was a former chair of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, Health & Safety Task Group; serves as a member on several NFPA Technical Committees, EMS, Community Paramedicine, Ambulance Design, and Personal Protective. He is a member in the College of Fellows of the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). Chief Patrick serves as a reviewer for the International Journal of Paramedicine and is a member of the EMS World Advisory Board. Chief Patrick is a lead representative on the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) and represents the USFA on several Federal and national committees. He maintains a close working relationship with national non-government first responder, first receiver, and special interest organizations.
Mr. Patrick has a Masters Degree in Public Safety Management from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia; is a certified Paramedic, Firefighter, and Executive Fire Officer. Chief Patrick is a graduate of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (Cohort IX), Harvard – Kennedy School of Government, and the Naval Post Graduate School, Center for Homeland Defense & Security’s, Executive Leaders Program.
ELEC-105: USFA Research Initiatives Supporting Fire and EMS Responders
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM