RITA L REITH
Brownsburg,IN
Summary
31-year firefighter and versatile communications professional with broad experience in firefighting, EMS, fire service communications, public relations, marketing, social media, and broadcast. Specialties: media relations, crisis management, strategic planning, public relations, marketing, social media, event planning and branding. Recognized for outstanding dedication and leadership. Team-oriented individual with over 17 years of experience managing communications for a complement of 1300 firefighters and residents within the 300 square mile service district.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Battalion Chief – Director of Media Relations (PIO)
Indianapolis Fire Department
01.1995 - Current
- Responds to all working incidents and assumes role within incident command structure as chief communicator
- Direct interface with all personnel on scene, media - both local and national, residents affected by incident and other agencies involved in mitigation
- Championed advancements in technology usage within the department to improve operational efficiency during both daily activities and emergency situations.
- Crisis Management includes handling media and public inquiries, emergency public information, rumor monitoring, media monitoring and subsequent dissemination of accurate and timely information
- Establishes, develops and curates all content for IFD Social Media platforms
- Coordinates comprehensive communications, marketing and public relations approaches aimed at external/internal marketing and development opportunities
- Ensure departments communication, marketing and public relations strategies are integrated and coordinated internally with other city agencies
- Develop proactive messages/story lines and coordinate media interest.
- Plans and Manages all large scale events for the department including Annual Awards, Promotions & Longevity Ceremonies.
- Manages departments' participation in community events and outreach.
- Established strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses to increase engagement and support for fire department initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN01.1985
Professional Development
- International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) 2022 - Present
- IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) Cohort #10 - 2022
- Women in Fire 2019 - 2023
- Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Executive Leaders Program #ELP2001 - 2020/2021
- Richard G. Lugar - Excellence in Public Service Series Class #28 - 2017/2018
- Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence - Hoosier Fellows Leadership Program Class #11 - 2016
- DHS Social Media Working Group for Emergency Services and Disaster Management 2016-2020
- Indianapolis Public Relations Society 2013 - Present
- Firefighters Credit Union Board Member 2011-Present
- Indiana Pacers Read to Achieve Program 2009-Present
- National Information Officers Association 2008-Present
- 500 Festival 2012-2013
- Dress for Success 2009 & 2024
- Family Advocacy Center Board Member 1998-2000
Professional Recognition
- InspireHER Award – B1057indy & HankFM - 2024
- Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) - Public Information Officer Accreditation - 2022
- National Information Officers Association “Leadership in Public Information” Award 2021
- Co-Author NFPA Fire Prevention Handbook Revision Chapter 4 Section 5 on Public Information – 2021
- Fire Dept. Instructors Conference Service Award 2018
- Int’l Fire Buff Assoc. “Ira Rubin” Firefighter of the Year 2017
- IFD Chief’s Excellence in Service Award 2015
- PRSA Hoosier Chapter PR Catalyst Award 2015
- Promotion to merit rank of Battalion Chief 2015
- Mayor's Extra Mile Award 2013
- Promotion to merit rank of Captain 2012
- Promotion to merit rank of Lieutenant 2006
- IFD NAUI Dive Class - Academic Achievement Award 1998
- City of Indianapolis Special Resolution #80 Recipient 1997
- FOP Lodge #86 Commendation - 1997
- Indianapolis Police Department Commendation 1997
- IFD Medal of Bravery - Indianapolis Fire Department 1996
- American Red Cross Hall of Fame Honoree 1996
- EMS Officer of the Year - Fire Police Deputy Sheriff's Awards 1996
Professional Designations
- University of Tennessee LEIC Institute for Public Service - Master Public Information Officer Program –2024
- John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education Class - 2022
- Emergency Management Institute (EMI/FEMA) - Master Public Information Officer Program – 2018
- Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) - Managing Public Information for All Hazards Incidents - 2018
- IDHS District Response Task Force & Deployment 2011 – Present
- Emergency Management Institute (EMI/FEMA) - Advanced Public Information Officer - 2008 & 2017
- Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) - Advanced ICS Command and General Staff Complex Incidents - 2007
- Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents - 2007
- Safety Officer Certification 2007 – Present
- NIMS Complete Curriculum 2005 – Present
- ICE Rescue Technician - 2005
- High and Low Angle Rope Rescue Technician 2004
- Advanced Spanish Immersion Program Mexico City, Mexico 2002
- Advanced Spanish Immersion Program Tegucigalpa, Honduras 2001
- Certified Operator Engineer 1999
- Advanced SCUBA Diver NAUI 1998
- Top Water Rescue 1997
- Emergency Medical Technician 1994 - Present
- First Class Firefighter 1995 - Present
- Hazardous Materials Technician 1995 - Present
Timeline
Battalion Chief – Director of Media Relations (PIO)
Indianapolis Fire Department
01.1995 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Indiana University
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