In the Spotlight: Chad Hawkins

Chad Hawkins has been a hazardous materials instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) since 2017.

Hawkins has over 24 years of experience responding to, and managing all-hazards emergency incidents in the western United States and is considered a subject matter expect in multiple disciplines. He has progressively held most ranks in the fire service, up to fire chief, and currently serves as the Assistant Chief Deputy for the Oregon Department of State Fire Marshal.

He has served in every role in the Incident Command System (ICS), including incident commander, during numerous large-scale incidents, such as multi-causality scenes, large scale structural and wildland fires, earthquakes, floods, hazardous materials releases, train derailments, clandestine drug labs, and other complex incidents.

Hawkins holds numerous certifications in ICS, firefighting operations, rescue, hazardous materials, emergency medical services, and emergency management. He holds a position with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 470 Hazmat/Weapons of Mass Destruction technical committee, is a member of the FEMA National Qualification System Hazmat Team Typing taskforce and is a committee member of FEMA’s Key Response Factors and Considerations for the Aftermath of a Catastrophic Chemical Incidents.

“I believe training emergency responders is of the utmost importance. As we enter new phases of technology and capability, preparing responders for a safe, effective, and efficient response to complex incidents continues to challenge us,” said Hawkins.