Nathan J. Trauernicht

Nathan is a highly accomplished fire and emergency services professional with over three decades in the fire and emergency services, including two decades of leadership experience spanning all aspects of modern industry practices and innovative service solutions. His career is defined by fostering innovation, collaboration, the development of safer communities, and efforts to build resilient and healthy responders.

Nathan’s contributions have earned him numerous prestigious honors, including lifetime membership designations from both the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the California Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA), a Public Health Hero Award, and accolades for advancing operational innovation, leadership, and community impact. His achievements also include awards for his contributions to fire service education and community outreach, public safety technology integration, and the development of groundbreaking programs that have set new benchmarks in the industry.

Throughout his career, Nathan has led transformative initiatives to integrate behavioral health for communities into fire and EMS organizations, enhance interagency training, and drive operational readiness across fire service organizations. He has consistently worked to advance fire service education, professional standards, and community risk reduction strategies through active involvement with national and international organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association and Vision 20/20.

Nathan has held key leadership positions within the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Institution of Fire Engineers, and California Fire Chiefs Association, tackling critical issues such as firefighter health, expanded use of cutting-edge technology, and operational innovation.

Nathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Public Administration in Government Management. He is an alumnus of both the Executive Leadership and Management Institute (ELMI) at Stanford University and the UC Davis Executive Program. Nathan is also a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE) and holds the Chief Fire Officer® (CFO), Chief EMS Officer® (CEMSO), and Chief Training Officer® (CTO) designations conferred by the Center for Public Safety Excellence.