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Christopher Shane Henderson, CEMSO

Lieutenant, Rescue Division
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States

Christopher Shane Henderson has 26 years of emergency services experience. He has served the community as a firefighter, paramedic, company officer, clinical shift supervisor and as the outreach & recruitment coordinator. Additionally, he has 20 years of experience as an emergency medical services educator. He has proven to be a forward-thinking professional, who can create innovative approaches to organizational concerns and successfully manage high leverage programs. He was instrumental in the development, implementation and oversight of programs designed to increase organizational diversity. His evaluation of agency processes led to a more effective recruitment approach for those underrepresented in emergency services, focusing attention on meaningful interactions, along with other socioeconomic barriers that factor into becoming a fire service professional.

Some of his notable DEIB activities include the development and implementation of a high school recruitment program that allows completion of EMT prior to graduation; a career entry pathway that employs individuals while they obtain the required job certifications; started an EMS program located in a low-income area to attract underrepresented groups; participated in the development and delivery of several workshops and conference presentations; and participated in training on the Virgin Islands to increase the efficiency of service delivery. In the community, he serves on the board of a foundation providing opportunities to low-income families; as a member of the intervention and appeals committee; school advisory council; swimming official; and created a FIRST Robotics team in a low-income area to increase STEM opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Christopher Shane Henderson is credentialed as a Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO). His desire is that the fire service secures its position as an elite profession, while ensuring people from diverse backgrounds are treated fairly, are included and feel a sense of belonging.

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