Matt Groesser
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Seasoned public safety professional with robust experience in maintaining strategic relationships. Strengths include knowing the audience and tailoring messages to ensure full understanding. Well versed in technology and its application within emergency services with a special knack at being able to explain complex systems in simple terms. Integrally involved in several major public safety enhancements in Kent County, MI, including consolidating and streamlining 9-1-1 service delivery as well as a $26M radio device and infrastructure replacement.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Emergency Management Coordinator
Kent County Sheriff's Office
Grand Rapids, MI
09.2020 - 09.2024
- Appointed by the Sheriff and County Administrator.
- Oversaw expansion of program, doubling authorized staffing level.
- Coordinated all emergency management functions for the county (population of 656,000).
- Conducted planning and mitigation efforts focused on critical infrastructure protection, terrorism, hazardous materials, flooding, severe weather, etc.
- Responded to dozens of large-scale incidents, leveraging the County EOC resources and liaising with contacts at state and federal levels.
- Conducted numerous exercises of various types.
- Chairperson, Kent County Homeland Security Local Planning Team.
- Vice Chair, Kent County Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Emergency Communications Center Manager
Kent County Sheriff's Office
Grand Rapids, MI
09.2013 - 09.2020
- Responsible for all facets of the Kent County Communications Center, managing relationships with 62 staff members, 28 public safety agencies, and various assisting organizations.
- Conducted numerous recognition events for exceptional staff performance.
- Responsible for discipline of all staff, including recommendations to terminate when appropriate.
- Vice President of the Michigan Communications Directors Association.
- Chair, Kent County Dispatch Authority's Technical Advisory Committee.
- Co-Chair, State of Michigan Encryption Workgroup.
- Member of Michigan's FirstNet PSAP Integration Workgroup, SNC Emerging Tech Subcommittee, Kent County EMS Quality Improvement Committee, Kent County EMS Dispatch Steering Committee, and numerous local project teams.
9-1-1 Operations Manager
Kent County Sheriff's Office
Grand Rapids, MI
03.2010 - 09.2013
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of a busy 9-1-1 center.
- Implemented transformational change in technology and staffing models.
- Consolidated several smaller 9-1-1 centers into our existing operation.
- Investigated complaints from the public and recommended appropriate discipline and policy/procedure changes.
Firefighter/EMT-B
Cascade Township Fire Department
Cascade Charter Township, MI
03.1993 - 03.2010
- Responsible for the preservation of life and property in a large suburb of Grand Rapids, MI.
- Skilled at quickly assessing situations and implementing immediate measures to optimize outcomes.
- Knowledgeable about firefighting, fire department operations, and ongoing evolution of the fire service.
- Experienced in working in hazardous environments and making immediate decisions to maintain the safety of my assigned work crews.
- Responsible for implementing radio communications and outdoor warning siren projects.
Emergency Communications Supervisor
Kent County Sheriff's Office
Grand Rapids, MI
12.2006 - 03.2010
- Led and supervised a shift within a busy 9-1-1 center.
- Responsible for ongoing training needs of all staff.
- Attended to a wide range of staffing issues.
- Recommended formal recognition for staff based on exceptional performance.
- Recommended discipline for staff, when necessary.
Communications Training Officer
Kent County Sheriff's Office
Grand Rap, MI
10.2003 - 12.2006
- Trained new staff members in often chaotic conditions.
- Experienced in evaluting training progress.
- Made recommendations to pass or fail probationary employees based on performance.
Emergency Communications Operator
Kent County Sheriff's Office
Grand Rapids, MI
09.1998 - 10.2003
- Performed emergency call-taking and police/fire dispatching services.
- Experienced in working under emergency situations and conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI12-1997
Skills
- Public Safety
- Emergency Management
- Crisis Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Partnership Development
- Effective Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Community Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Grant administration
- Call Center Operations
- Radio Communications
- Geographic information systems
- Computer-based dispatch systems
- Large group presentations
- Product and Service Promotion
- Team Development
Accomplishments
- 2022 Interoperability Person of the Year - State of Michigan
Timeline
Emergency Management Coordinator
Kent County Sheriff's Office
09.2020 - 09.2024
Emergency Communications Center Manager
Kent County Sheriff's Office
09.2013 - 09.2020
9-1-1 Operations Manager
Kent County Sheriff's Office
03.2010 - 09.2013
Emergency Communications Supervisor
Kent County Sheriff's Office
12.2006 - 03.2010
Communications Training Officer
Kent County Sheriff's Office
10.2003 - 12.2006
Emergency Communications Operator
Kent County Sheriff's Office
09.1998 - 10.2003
Firefighter/EMT-B
Cascade Township Fire Department
03.1993 - 03.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Michigan State University
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