04/21/2026
Chief Smith is receiving his National Emergency Management Basic Academy certificate from the Chief Regional Coordinator, Jonathan Simmons, Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
Chief Smith completed the National Emergency Management Basic Academy on April 16th, which he started in January, 2025. The Basic Academy consists of 5 classroom courses, totaling 3 weeks (15 days, 120 hours) of learning, and is the essential program for individuals committed to emergency management.
Similar to basic academies operated by the fire service and law enforcement communities, the National Emergency Management Basic Academy provides students with a broad foundation in emergency management policy and practice.
Chief Smith is one of only a handful of law enforcement officers designated as the emergency manager for their locality in the Commonwealth of Virginia.