Karl Diekman, JS Consultant

My fire service career began as a volunteer firefighter and included service as a paid firefighter, firefighter paramedic, company officer, and shift manager.

As a Fire Chief I have led four fire departments in Florida (one) and California (three).  Those jurisdictions have included Municipal Departments, Special Districts, Joint Powers Authorities, and combinations of these types.

The departments that I have led have included a combination of volunteer (reserve) and career personnel, and all career departments. The departments have ranged in size from a single company to multi-stations operations.  Services provided include all types of traditional fire services and paramedic ambulance service.

I worked in a variety of governmental types, including a Strong Mayor-Commission, Committee of City Managers, Council-Manager, and Dependent and Independent District Boards of Directors.

On behalf of my employers, I have served in a variety of capacities including Chair of a Joint Powers Authority for Dispatch and Emergency Preparedness, and Chair of a County Emergency Medical Care Committee.

I have experience as an independent consultant in fire protection planning.

In recent years I have worked globally on cervical cancer prevention by helping organizations develop and fund projects, mostly in low resource countries.  My work has included participation in policy development for the WHO and others.