The Collaboration Between Regulatory Professionals and Risk Management
Vincent Anderson
Fire Marshal/Community Risk Reduction Chief, City of Redlands, Fire Department (CA)
In this episode, Vincent Anderson discusses the collaboration between regulatory professionals, such as fire marshals, and risk management. He explains the diverse services provided by fire prevention work groups, including collaborating with design and construction teams, conducting inspections and code enforcement, wildfire preparedness, hazardous materials regulations and fire investigations. Vincent also defines the concept of community risk reduction and why fire departments are embracing this collaborative, community-wide approach to proactive risk mitigation. The discussion covers the inherent risks and stresses for regulatory professionals, such as physical safety concerns and mental health challenges, that risk managers should be aware of. The episode also outlines strategies for risk managers and regulatory professionals to work together, including involvement in the community risk assessment process and leveraging existing resources like NFPA standards and ICC codes to protect property portfolios.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Vincent Anderson
Fire Marshal/Community Risk Reduction Chief, City of Redlands, Fire Department (CA)
Summary of Qualifications
Building collaboration between the fire service and allied professionals is a career passion for Vincent Anderson. His 12-year career has culminated in the executive management position of fire marshal with the City of Redlands Fire Department. Vince graduated from Liberty University with a Master in Public Administration degree, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in public affairs from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His contributions on international public safety platforms include presentations at the International Association of Wildland Fire (Canberra, Australia), Center for Public Safety Excellence and National Public Risk Managers Association.
Responsibilities
Vince oversees all programs and service delivery of the fire department’s Community Risk Reduction Division.
- Community Development & New Construction:
- Conceptual project review with Planning Commission, plan review of construction documents and fire protection systems, field inspections and acceptance testing
- Existing Building Fire Safety Inspections
- State mandated inspections on behalf of State Fire Marshal's Office, risk assessment based inspections
- Wildfire Preparedness Programs
- Vegetation management inspections, weed abatement program, fuels management crews
- Subject Matter Expert
- Serve as fire and life safety subject matter expert for the city’s policy makers, elected officials and legal counsel
Business Experience
- City of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety
- Collaborated extensively with Silicon Valley technology firms on alternate materials & methods evaluations
- Huntington Beach Fire Department
- Liason to major special events headlined by Great Pacific Waterfront Airshow & US Open of Surfing.
- Orange County Fire Prevention Officers Association
- Facilitated monthly training opportunities for over 150 fire prevention professionals across the region. Highlights included training with US Air Force Thunderbirds Squadron & School Safety Training with FBI.
ERM Experience
- Experienced practitioner and presenter in community risk reduction programs
- Advocate for highlighting the inherent risk management services provided by public sector professionals including code enforcement, building & safety, as well as fire prevention.
- Pioneered involving risk management workgroups in construction phases of city buildings.
Professional Affiliations
- International Code Council: Certification Exam Development Committee Member
- National Fire Protection Association: General Member
- Fire Service Psychology Association: General Member
Education
- Master of Public Administration Degree, Emergency Management Specialty (Liberty University)
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, Public Affairs Minor (University of California, Los Angeles-UCLA)
- Associate of Science Degree in Fire Technology (Rio Hondo College)
- Associate of Arts Degree in History (Orange Coast College)
- Professional Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering (University of California, San Diego Extension)
- FEMA Incident Command System instructor for 17 years.
- Currently working on Master's in Occupational Safety and Health
