Greg Comer: 911 Fire Chief & Innovator Transforming Emergency Response

Introduction

Greg Comer, the 911 Fire Chief for the City of Virginia Beach, has dedicated his career to enhancing emergency response systems and improving public safety. With over 30 years of experience in the fire service, Chief Comer has become a leading figure in the modernization of emergency operations.

Modernizing Emergency Communications

"In an emergency, every second counts." - Greg Comer

One of Chief Comer's key initiatives has been the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology. NG911 enables callers to send text, video, and picture messages to 911 dispatchers, providing a more comprehensive and timely picture of emergency situations.

Under Chief Comer's leadership, Virginia Beach became one of the first cities in the nation to deploy NG911. Since its implementation, response times have been significantly reduced, with an estimated savings of 30-50 seconds per call.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Chief Comer believes in the power of data to drive informed decision-making. He has implemented a data analytics platform that collects and analyzes real-time data on emergency response times, resource allocation, and incident patterns.

This data has allowed the Virginia Beach Fire Department to identify areas for improvement, optimize resource deployment, and develop evidence-based policies. For example, analysis showed that by strategically relocating fire stations, response times could be reduced in certain high-risk areas.

Community Engagement

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Chief Comer has established a strong relationship with the residents of Virginia Beach. He has launched several community programs, including:

• Fire Safety Education: Programs designed to teach children and families about fire prevention and safety measures.
• Emergency Preparedness Workshops: Classes that provide residents with essential skills for responding to emergencies, such as CPR and first aid.
• Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT): Volunteer-led teams that provide support and assistance during large-scale emergencies.

Innovation in Emergency Response

Chief Comer's forward-thinking approach to emergency response has led him to explore new technologies and innovative solutions. Some of his notable initiatives include:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Deployment of drones to enhance situational awareness, provide aerial reconnaissance, and deliver supplies in difficult-to-reach areas.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilization of AI algorithms to analyze data and predict emergency needs, such as identifying areas most likely to experience wildfires.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration with local businesses and organizations to leverage their resources and expertise in emergency response.

Tables

Table 1: Impact of NG911 in Virginia Beach

Table 2: Data-Driven Decision Making in Virginia Beach

Table 3: Community Engagement Programs in Virginia Beach

Table 4: Innovative Technologies in Virginia Beach Fire Department

Conclusion

Greg Comer is a visionary fire chief who has transformed emergency response in Virginia Beach through a combination of innovation, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement. His leadership has resulted in faster response times, enhanced public safety, and a more resilient community. Chief Comer's innovative approach serves as a model for other fire departments and emergency response agencies around the world.