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Item 9A - MemoITEM 9A ICITY OF SOUTHLAKE MEMORANDUM April 9, 2025 TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Alison D. Ortowski, City Manager SUBJECT: City Council Confirmation of the City Manager's Appointment of Shannon Langford as Fire Chief. Action Requested: City Council confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Shannon Langford as Fire Chief for the City of Southlake Background Information: Chapter 4 of the Southlake Charter requires that "The head of each department shall be a chief, director, or superintendent who shall be appointed by the City Manager subject to the approval of the Council and such chief, director or superintendent shall have supervisory authority and financial control over his/her department." To ensure a thorough and comprehensive selection process, the City partnered with CPS HR Consulting to conduct a nationwide search for the next Fire Chief. This extensive recruitment effort resulted in 72 applicants from across the country. Following an initial screening, the consultant conducted 20 phone interviews, after which the City Manager's Office selected nine candidates for virtual interviews. From this group, four individuals advanced to in -person interviews, where they engaged with key stakeholders and demonstrated their leadership capabilities. After careful evaluation, Shannon Langford emerged as the most qualified candidate for this critical role. With more than 32 years of experience in Fire and EMS administration, operations, and leadership, Mr. Langford has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence in emergency services. Throughout his career, he has successfully built high - performing teams and contributed to the advancement of the fire service profession. His depth of experience and leadership expertise make him well-equipped to guide the Fire Department forward, ensuring its continued success in serving our community. We are fortunate that Mr. Langford has accepted this position, and I am confident in his ability to lead the department through future City Council Meeting Date: April 15, 2025 ITEM 9A Page 2 challenges and opportunities. Here are highlights of his qualifications: • Experience: Mr. Langford is a highly accomplished fire service professional with extensive experience in fire operations, emergency medical services and administration. Currently serving as the Assistant Chief of Operations for the City of Farmers Branch Fire Department, he oversees a $14 million operations budget and leads the operations division of over 84 personnel. He has demonstrated expertise in department administration, training, EMS operations, incident command, personnel management, and policy development. His progressive leadership roles include managing fire department training programs to maintain an ISO 1 rating, overseeing recruitment and promotional processes, implementing strategic initiatives, and enhancing operational efficiency. He has spearheaded key projects, including the development of a lateral hiring program, the implementation of a new fire records management system, and the creation of a peer support and mental health program. Mr. Langford has extensive experience in contract review, fleet and facilities management, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to drive departmental improvements. His prior experience includes time with the City of Allen Fire Department, where he advanced through the ranks from Firefighter/Paramedic to Administrative Captain. He has additional experience as a flight paramedic, paramedic instructor, and EMS supervisor, further reinforcing a comprehensive understanding of emergency response and medical care. Mr. Langford is a proven leader with a strong ability to manage personnel, optimize departmental operations, and collaborate with city leadership to enhance public safety services. • Education & Professional Credentials: Mr. Langford's educational and professional background includes, but is not limited to: - Master of Science in Management - Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management Administration - Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Tech nology/Paramedicine City Council Meeting Date: April 15, 2025 Page 3 Financial ITEM 9A - Licensed Paramedic and EMS Instructor, Texas Department of State Health Services - EMT -Paramedic, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - Master Firefighter, Texas Commission on Fire Protection - Graduate - Texas A&M University, Mays Business School & TEEX, Fire Service Chief Executive Officer These credentials not only underscore Mr. Langford's commitment to professional growth and excellence, but also emphasize his strong technical and professional competence. As the Fire Chief, Mr. Langford will assume full executive leadership and management responsibility for the Fire Department, which has four divisions: Administration, Fire Operations, Fire Prevention, and Emergency Management. He will manage and supervise all department administration activities, including developing and implementing departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities in alignment with the City's Strategic Management System. The department consists of 74 full-time equivalent employees and has a Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund budget of $12,640,044. Mr. Langford's appointment carries no negative budgetary implications and aligns with the City's commitment to the highest standards of safety and security. With your ratification, Mr. Langford's appointment will be effective on May 5, 2025. Considerations: An offer of employment has been extended to Mr. Langford in alignment with the City's established compensation system. There is no negative budget impact. Strategic Link: Performance Management and Service Delivery: Attracting, developing and retaining a talented and motivated workforce for lasting world -class performance. Safety & Security: Achieving strong outcomes through continual evaluation and pursuit of better practices that improve core business operations. Supporting Documents: Mr. Langford's Resume Staff Recommendation: City Council confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Shannon Langford as Fire Chief for the City of Southlake. MR. SHANNON M. LANGFORD, MS, FSCEO PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS Texas Department of State Health Services, Licensed Paramedic, EMS Instructor National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, EMT -Paramedic Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification, Certified Flight Paramedic Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Master Firefighter, Driver/Operator-Pumper, Driver/Operator-Aerial, Master Fire Instructor III, Fire Officer IV, Incident Safety Officer -Fire, Incident Commander, Field Examiner Texas A&M University- Mays Business School- TEEX- Fire Service Chief Executive Officer PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH FIRE DEPARTMENT, Farmers Branch, Texas September 2020 — Present: September 2020- October 2021 hired as Battalion Chief of Training and EMS October 2021 promoted to Deputy Chief of Administrative Services November 2021 served as Acting Deputy Chief of Operations September 2022 promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations • Create and manage Fire Department Training Program to maintain ISO 1 rating • Manage department Blue Card incident command program • Department representative to BEST EMS medical control system • Manage department TCFP and DSHS licensing • Manage Fire and EMS equipment and apparatus specifications and ordering • Managed Joint Fire Training Facility operations board and budget • Manage OR claims and injury reporting through FIDO • Contract review and development • Manage department promotional process • Coordinate and manage department hiring process • TCFP department administrator • Managed department QA/QI program • Created COVID-19 vaccination program for the department, including managing vaccination schedules, ordering, storing, reporting, administration, and monitoring. • Managed department training calendar • Department Designated Infection Control Officer • Managed onboarding and ofboarding of employees • Expanded Department FTO program • Created and managed EMS training room • Reviewed and updated department compliance manuals • Created department medical simulation training program • Created Lateral Hiring Program, employee referral program, and sign -on bonus in conjunction with Human Resources • Policy creation • Oversee operations and administration divisions including creating and managing a $14 million dollar operations budget. • Implementation of new Fire ESO records management system • Lead operations division of over 84 personnel • Business case development for additional staffing, apparatus, and equipment needs • Lead 48/96 schedule implementation • Social Media marketing implementation to improve community engagement and hiring • Created replacement schedule for all department assets • Created PEER support team and Mental Health program • Implemented EV policy and procedures • Implemented 4 person minimum staffing for Fire Trucks • Present to City Council at meetings • Create Strategic initiatives and planning • Routinely collaborate with internal and external departments • Manage Fleet and Facilities of Fire Department • Create and manage Special Projects • Serve as Acting Fire Chief, when needed CITY OF ALLEN FIRE DEPARTMENT, Allen, Texas July 2001— October 2020: • July 2001-March 2003 Firefighter/Paramedic responding to fire/ems calls on a paramedic engine and MICU • March 2003-Jan. 2010 assigned to the position of Field Training Officer: duties included supervising, teaching, training, and evaluating new firefighter/paramedic employees • May 2003 selected to participate on a peer interview committee, interviewing potential employees • Jan. 2010 promoted to Driver/Operator/Engineer: duties included driving fire apparatus to fire/ems calls, pump operations, paramedic role on ems calls, supervising employees, and managing station activities, QA/QI, serve as Captain/Officer in Charge (OIC) routinely in the absence of the Captain • December 2012 promoted to Captain: duties included supervising employees, managing station activities and training, personnel management, public education, QA/OI, performance evaluations, admin. duties, and commanding fire/ems calls • 2017 selected by the fire chief to serve as Battalion Chief in the absence of the BC and Administrative Captain • 2018 assigned to the position of Administrative Captain: duties included working directly with the Battalion Chief managing the entire shift, responding with Battalion Chief to major incidents, command fire/ems calls, serve as safety officer, admin. duties including QA/QI, time management, fire/ems training classes, ISO training, staffing, narcotic inventory and distribution, fire/ems supply inventory and distribution, personnel management, and other special assignments, serve as Battalion Chief routinely in their absence • Served on IAFF PEER support team to assist with employee behavioral health and well-being • Coordinated and conducted Medisim training consisting of comprehensive medical simulation scenario training for entire department • Instructed specialty classes such as ACLS and PALS to the department routinely. • Resigned from employment upon accepting Training/EMS Chief position with Farmers Branch Fire Department CAREFLITE, Grand Prairie, Texas July 2005-November 2012: • Employed as a rotor -wing Flight Paramedic: duties included responding to emergency scenes and inter -facility calls in a 150 mile radius around the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, providing patient care to critically ill patients. Resigned from employment to pursue promotional opportunities at full time employment and complete Bachelor's degree. SOUTHWEST HELICOPTERS INC., D.B.A. TEXAS LIFESTAR, Sherman, Texas February 2004-July 2005: • Employed as a rotor -wing Flight Paramedic: duties included responding to emergency scene and inter -facility calls in a 150 mile radius around Sherman, Greenville, and Decatur, Texas, providing patient care to critically ill patients. Resigned from employment upon accepting a position with CareFlite. Company sold to Air Evac Lifeteam after employment. BROOKHAVEN COLLEGE, Farmers Branch, Texas August 2003-December 2010: • Employed as adjunct faculty in a paramedic training program: duties included lecturing and skills instruction in EMT and Paramedic classes. Certified Instructor in BCLS, ACLS, PALS, PEPP, GEMS, PHTLS, and BTLS courses. Resigned from employment to concentrate on furthering education. Contact Alex Stadthagen, Program Director MEDIC RESCUE, INC., D.B.A. ROCKWALL COUNTY EMS, Rockwall, Texas November 1996-March 2004 • Employed as a paramedic on an MICU, responding to E-911 and non -emergency calls in Rockwall County. • Promoted to paramedic supervisor in 1999: duties included being in charge of Continuous Quality Improvement Program (CQI-chart review) for the entire service, working on a rapid response supervisor vehicle equipped with MICU capabilities, responding to emergency calls, providing patient care until an MICU arrived, commanding scene operations, supervising daily shift operations, personnel management, supply ordering, staffing, teaching continuing education classes, interviewing potential employees, training new employees. Resigned supervisor position in July 2001 upon receiving a job offer from Allen Fire Dept. Remained employed part time until March 2004. Contact Mitch Ownby, COO. EAST TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER EMS, Tyler, Texas May 1997-March 2000 • Employed as a lead paramedic (preceptor) on an MICU responding to E-911 and non -emergency calls, covering an extensive service area. Duties included primary responsibility for patient care, MICU operations, interactions with allied health professionals, training new employees, and EMS station orderliness. Resigned from employment in March 2000. CITY OF AUSTIN EMS, Austin, Texas December 1996 - January 1997: • Primarily in the Training Academy; but worked shifts on an MICU, responding to E-911 calls for service in the City of Austin and Travis County. Resigned from employment and relocated back to Rockwall to pursue full time employment with Rockwall Co. EMS. CENTRAL AMBULANCE, Stationed in Rockwall, Texas January 1996 - November 1996: • Duties corresponding with those of a paramedic on an MICU, responding to E-911 and non -emergency calls in Rockwall County. Resigned from employment and relocated to Austin to pursue full time employment with Austin EMS. CRITICAL CARE PARAMEDIC SERVICE, Rockwall, Texas. March 1994 - January 1996.- • Employed as a paramedic on an MICU, responding to E-911 and non -emergency calls in Rockwall County and adjacent unincorporated Dallas County. • Promoted to paramedic supervisor in January 1995: duties included supervising daily operations, processing paperwork, training new employees, and fleet maintenance. Company sold to CareLine, Inc., which then merged with MedTrans, and was subsequently folded into Central Ambulance's operations. Mitch Ownby was the supervisor, who now is with Rockwall County EMS. HASKELL COUNTY EMS, Haskell, Texas March 1993 - March 1994: • Part -paid volunteer EMT, providing E-911 service for Haskell County. Promoted to EMT -I and paramedic with corresponding responsibilities. Resigned to accept position in Rockwall. EDUCATION December 2018, Completed: Master of Science in Management, Texas A&M University -Commerce, Texas Courses of study included: Mkt., Org. Behavior, Business research, Entrepreneurship, Managing Groups and Teams, Global Competitiveness, Quality Mgt., Financial Mgt., Project Mgt. and Strategic Mgt. May 2015, Completed: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management Administration, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas Courses of study included: Critical issues in HRM, Principles of Mgt., Mkt., Risk Mgt., Ethics, Public Financial Adm., Admin. Law, Public Admin., Org. theory, Municipal Gov., Public Relations, Emergency Mgt. research. August 2008, Completed: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technology/Paramedicine with Honors, Texas State Technical College -West Texas, Sweetwater, Texas November 2001, Completed: Basic Firefighter Academy, Collin County Community College, McKinney, Texas. December 1993, Completed: Paramedic Program, Texas State Technical College, Sweetwater, Texas. September 1993, Completed: EMT -Intermediate portion of Paramedic Program, Texas State Technical College, Sweetwater, Texas. December 1992, Completed: EMT Program, Texas State Technical College, Sweetwater, Texas. AWARDS Fire Chief s Golden Eagle Award, Farmers Branch FD First Responder of the Year Award, Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce Magna Cum Laude, West Texas A&M University. President's Honor Roll, Texas State Technical College. Dean's List, Texas State Technical College. Valedictorian of Paramedic Class, Texas State Technical College. Life Saving Award, Rockwall County EMS.