Jack Smith, the new superintendent of the Ohio Fire Academy (OFA), was sworn in Monday by State Fire Marshal Jeff A. Hussey.
Smith, of Dayton, takes over for Former Superintendent Steve Goheen, who retired from the position earlier this month.
As superintendent of the OFA, Smith will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the OFA, including curriculum, training programs, training grounds and personnel.
"Jack’s main priority will be continuing to ensure the delivery of high quality instruction and programming, and working to expand the access of training throughout the state," said Ohio Department of Commerce Director Jacqueline T. Williams. "With his leadership and training experience, he is well suited to help the Academy continue to provide world-class training to the fire service."
Smith previously served as the fire education coordinator at the Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS, where he oversaw chartered fire training programs across the state. He has more than 32 years of combined fire service leadership experience, including serving as associate director of the National Center for Readiness at Wright State University for 10 years.
During his career, he held the ranks of lieutenant, shift commander, training officer, safety officer and battalion chief at Jefferson Township Fire Department in Montgomery County and Sharonville Fire Department in Cincinnati.
Smith has also served as a member of Ohio Task Force One, which serves the state and the nation as one of the top urban search and rescue teams.
"We are excited to welcome Jack to our team," said Hussey. "He is a passionate fire service instructor and leader, and the Ohio Fire Academy will benefit greatly from his experience and expertise."
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cedarville University, and a master’s degree in emergency and disaster management from American Public University.