INDIANA – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) proudly announces John Shafer as the new director of the Indiana Fire and Public Safety Training Academy system.
With nearly 30 years of fire service experience, Shafer brings extensive knowledge and expertise in fire training and public safety at the local, state, national and international levels. He has traveled throughout the United States and Canada to lead training courses for building construction, fire ground search, fire behavior and more. He also has taught nationally at the Fire Department International Conference (FDIC), Firehouse World and Firehouse Expo.
Shafer, 47, most recently served with Washington Township Avon Fire Department. His first day with IDHS will be February 20.
“When we considered the needs of the Academy system and the potential for future growth, it was clear John was the perfect candidate to lead this effort. Under his guidance, the Academy will bring high-quality, consistent training across the state and support safety and innovation throughout the fire service,” said Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones.
Shafer previously served as the IDHS District 7 Fire Training Coordinator and is familiar with the Academy system and its impact in Indiana. He has earned degrees from Ivy Tech University and Columbia Southern University.
He also is a member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and has delivered Everyone Goes Home, a national firefighter life safety initiative, at several locations throughout Indiana. He holds multiple certifications for firefighting, fire officer/instructor training and hazmat materials. He also is a certified EMT, safety officer and has completed weapons of mass destruction coursework.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be the next Fire Academy director for the State of Indiana\, because this will allow me to learn from the great people who currently work for the Academy,” Shafer said. “This opportunity also will enable me to provide leadership from my 29 years of learning as a volunteer firefighter, career firefighter, and chief officer.”
The Indiana Fire & Public Safety Academy is an education and training subdivision of the Division of Fire and Building Safety at IDHS, under the Indiana State Fire Marshal and established as an institution for public safety education, training and advanced studies for Indiana’s fire department personnel and volunteers; emergency medical services personnel; telecommunicators; emergency management personnel and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives personnel in the areas of fire prevention; enforcement of fire safety laws; firefighting; emergency medical services and other areas of public safety.
