Shadd Whitehead is a 33-year veteran of fire and rescue service, currently serving with Michigan USAR Task Force 1 as a task force leader and training & exercise coordinator. He previously served 28 years with the Livonia, MI, Fire Department, where he retired as fire chief. Whitehead also served as the chief of special operations for Western Wayne County, encompassing both Hazmat Response Team & USAR Strike Team operations. He has been involved in Emergency Response Planning and Program Development for the 18 years, instructing on a variety of emergency response topics including FDSOA ISO and HSO programs.