Tara Thomas
Fort Lauderdale,FL
Summary
Public Safety Communications Professional with over 41 years of progressive leadership experience directing large-scale, multi-jurisdictional emergency communications systems. Proven record of executive decision-making, fiscal oversight, operational transformation, and accreditation compliance within complex law enforcement, fire rescue, and EMS environments. Recognized for building high-performing leadership teams, strengthening municipal partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving operational excellence across regional communications networks.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Communications Assistant Director
Broward Sheriff’s Office
Fort Lauderdale, FL
01.2020 - Current
- Leader for one of Florida’s largest consolidated public safety communications systems, providing strategic oversight of regional emergency and non-emergency dispatch operations supporting law enforcement, fire rescue, and EMS throughout Broward County.
- Impact:
- Direct division-wide strategic planning, operational policy development, and performance management.
- Oversee fiscal planning and expenditure control, ensuring responsible stewardship of multi-million-dollar public funds.
- Maintain operational readiness across Regional Communications Centers in compliance with federal, state, and local mandates.
- Lead quality assurance, data integrity initiatives, staffing models, and learning management systems.
- Conduct performance benchmarking aligned with NFPA, NENA, APCO, and Florida E911 standards.
- Develop corrective action strategies based on data analytics and operational trend analysis.
- Serve as liaison to municipal partners, government agencies, and accrediting bodies.
- Interpret and implement policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Provide executive leadership during critical incidents and large-scale emergency events.
North Regional Communications Site Manager
Broward Sheriff’s Office
Fort Lauderdale, FL
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Directed operations of the North Regional Communications Center, overseeing up to 110 personnel, including executive-level subordinates.
- Leadership Highlights:
- Developed and mentored executive successors (1 Site Manager, 2 Assistant Site Managers, 6 Duty Officers).
- Implemented structured critical incident debriefing protocols to enhance resiliency and operational performance.
- Strengthened interagency collaboration with municipal police and fire command leadership.
- Improved service delivery metrics and operational efficiency across the north region.
CDC4 Communications Site Manager
Broward Sheriff’s Office
Fort Lauderdale, FL
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Managed cooperative dispatch center operations with responsibility for service delivery, personnel performance, and compliance.
- Key Achievements:
- Consistently achieved the Florida E911 benchmark of 90% of calls answered within 10 seconds.
- Increased employee engagement and reduced citizen complaints.
- Earned BSO Support Unit of the Year (CDC4).
- Strengthened executive partnerships with district law enforcement and fire rescue command staff.
Communications Training Coordinator
Tampa Police Department
Tampa, FL
01.2000 - 01.2007
- Directed recruitment strategy, hiring standards, and comprehensive training programs for 120 communications personnel.
- Contributions:
- Achieved full staffing levels and significantly reduced turnover.
- Designed and implemented a four-week Communications Training Academy.
- Revised SOPs and training manuals to improve compliance and operational consistency.
- Elevated hiring standards to improve long-term workforce performance.
- Coordinated scheduling and logistics for training sessions, ensuring resource availability and participant engagement.
Communications Supervisor
Tampa Police Department
01.1989 - 01.2000
- Promoted based on leadership and operational excellence; led morale and community engagement initiatives.
- Managed operations for a 911 and dispatch center.
- Supervised team responsible for managing 911 and non-emergency calls for service.
- Directed and monitored team members for compliance with communication, quality, and performance standards.
- Mentored junior team members in best practices for effective communication, fostering professional development within the department.
Communications Operator and Communications Training Officer
Tampa Police Department
01.1984 - 01.1989
- Managed complex multi-channel communications to law enforcement officers, prioritizing critical resources for 911 emergencies and routine service requests.
- Monitored radio transmissions, dispatching units based on situational needs and priorities.
- Mentored new operators during their initial training period, providing guidance on best practices and company policies.
Education
Business Coursework 1981 -
Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FL01-1983
Skills
- Enterprise Operations & Regional Communications Management
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Development
- Multi-Million Dollar Budget Administration
- Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance (CALEA, NFPA, NENA, APCO, FL E911)
- Executive Policy Development & Labor Relations
- Intergovernmental & Municipal Partnerships
- Performance Analytics & Benchmarking
- Critical Incident Command Support & After-Action Implementation
- Risk Management & Internal Investigations
- Workforce Planning & Staffing Optimization
Certification
- NENA Emergency Number Professional (ENP)
- APCO Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL)
- CJIS Certification
- Terminal Agency Coordinator Certification
- IAED EMD/EFD/EPD Certifications
- Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification
- NIMS Training
- Florida Interoperable Network (FIN) Training
- CPR Certification
- Florida Notary Public
- BSO Executive Leadership Program
Timeline
Regional Communications Assistant Director
Broward Sheriff’s Office
01.2020 - Current
North Regional Communications Site Manager
Broward Sheriff’s Office
01.2013 - 01.2020
CDC4 Communications Site Manager
Broward Sheriff’s Office
01.2007 - 01.2013
Communications Training Coordinator
Tampa Police Department
01.2000 - 01.2007
Communications Supervisor
Tampa Police Department
01.1989 - 01.2000
Communications Operator and Communications Training Officer
Tampa Police Department
01.1984 - 01.1989
Business Coursework 1981 -
Bethune-Cookman University