Why We Created the Alliance
There are over 27,000 fire departments across America, but only 165 are large enough to be considered Metro.
We created the Alliance because these metro officers needed a place to find their true peers—the few others who understand their unique challenges.
Knowing that fire service leaders learn best from each other, we built this community where honest conversations happen, lasting relationships form, and solution providers become trusted partners.
Real Expertise in the Room
When you join an Alliance event, you're surrounded by people who've been in your shoes. Everyone at the table brings decades of experience navigating complex challenges. That means conversations go deeper, faster – no need to explain the basics when everyone already gets it.
Connections That Matter
We're all about bringing together leaders who face similar challenges across different cities. These aren't just business card exchanges – they're the beginning of relationships that often lead to shared solutions, borrowed innovations, and ongoing collaboration long after the event ends.
Customized Every Time
We don't believe in cookie-cutter solutions or recycled agendas. Each Alliance gathering is built from scratch around what matters to you right now. We check in, we listen, and we shape everything to tackle the challenges you're facing today – not last year's problems. Our events evolve just like your department does, because that's how we make sure you walk away with ideas you can actually use.
Small by Design, Not by Accident
We're keeping things small on purpose, and honestly? That's our superpower. We're not chasing massive growth or trying to pack rooms with thousands of people. Instead, we focus on quality conversations and real connections. Being small means we can turn on a dime, truly customize everything we do, and actually get to know you and your needs. The big conferences just can't do that. It's exactly what makes us work so well for you.
Advisory Board
We are grateful to our Advisory Board of seasoned metropolitan fire and EMS chiefs who help us stay connected to what matters most.
Timothy Barton
Battalion Chief
Health & Safety
Columbus Division of Fire
Vince Cinque
Division Chief Health/Safety/R&D
Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue
Heath Clark
Assistant Chief Administrative Services
Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue
Scott Clumpner
Deputy Chief
Emergency Medical Services
Dallas Fire-Rescue Department
John Davis
Assistant Chief
Administration
Cincinnati Fire Department
Orlando Dominguez
Assistant Chief
EMS Operations
Brevard County Fire Rescue
Scott Egan
Assistant Chief
EMS Operations
Orange County Fire Rescue Department
Robert Graff
Deputy Chief
Operations
Marion County Fire Rescue
Juan Hernandez
Asst. Deputy Fire Commissioner, EMS
Chicago Fire Department
Jason Krusen
Deputy Chief
Planning & Prof. Services
Charleston Fire Department
Timothy Jones
Deputy Chief
Special Operations
Phoenix Fire Department
James McLemore
First Deputy Chief
Atlanta Fire Rescue Department
Michael V. Meyers
Assistant Chief
Chief of Training
FDNY
Kent Miller
Battalion Chief
Support Services
Columbus Division of Fire
Joseph Minehan
District Chief
Field Services
Boston Fire Department
Paul Moore
Assistant Chief, Office of Innovation & Special Services
Tucson Fire Department
Ted Moran
Deputy Chief
Business Operations
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
Paul N. Pham
Assistant Chief, Operations Central Bureau
Los Angeles City Fire Department
Drew Rogers
Deputy Chief
Professional Standards
Marion County Fire Rescue
Brent Smith
Assistant Chief
Field Operations
Kansas City Kansas Fire Department
Elizabeth Renee Stone
Assistant Chief
Field Operations
Orange County Fire Rescue Department
Carlos Tibbs
Deputy Chief
Administration
Chattanooga Fire Department
Gerard Viola
Deputy Chief
Field Operations
Boston Fire Department
Trent Williams
Battalion Chief
Suppression
Oklahoma City Fire Department
Summit Organizer
Susan Charamut, Executive Director
Susan brings the Alliance to life with her genuine passion for connecting Metro Fire and EMS leaders with their peers. She created this community after seeing how Officers of large departments form an incredibly small circle nationwide—leaders who learn best from each other but rarely find meaningful ways to connect. When you meet Susan, you'll immediately feel her dedication to creating a space where leaders can share honest conversations with others who truly understand their unique challenges. Her meticulous approach ensures everyone walks away with relationships that matter.
