NCIER®
Joe Richardson, Captain
Lead Instructor · National Center for Integrated Emergency Response
Personal Profile
Joseph "Joe" Richardson brings 17+ years of experience in the fire service to the classroom, drawing from extensive operational, leadership, and instructional backgrounds. He has taught and mentored firefighters at local, state, and national levels, and is recognized for his commitment to safety, professional development, and curriculum delivery in high-risk environments. Throughout his career, Joe has held significant roles in fire service instruction, emergency command, and program development. His background includes leading teams, supporting large-scale training efforts, and collaborating with other public safety disciplines to improve preparedness and response effectiveness. Joe was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and has received 4 Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals, 3 Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals and 7 Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medals.
Experience
National Center for Integrated Emergency Response
Instructor
Joe is involved with classroom and simulation hands-on training. He provides expert insight from his background in firefighter survival, tactics, and logistics.
ncier.org
Austin Fire Department
Operations Fire Captain
In his position as Fire Captain, Joe acts as the Initial Incident Commander on structure fires, rescues, EMS calls, hazardous conditions, and multi-agency events. He oversees daily station operations, supports program development, implements accountability systems including operational risk management, and develops and delivers training.
austintexas.gov/department/fire
United States Marine Corps
Sergeant Major
A decorated officer, Joe oversees unit training plans, manpower management, deployment readiness, and administrative compliance. He also leads senior enlisted mentorship programs, career counseling, and leadership development.
marines.com
Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training
Adjunct Instructor
Joe serves as an instructor in coordinated rescue tactics, cross-discipline communication, and Unified Command operations during active shooter/active attack events.
alerrt.org
IAFF Fire Ground Survival
Master Instructor
Joe is responsible for certifying instructors nationwide as well as delivering advanced FGS curriculum including firefighter survival, MAYDAY procedures, rapid intervention and self-rescue skills. In addition Joe mentors new instructors and supports national-level program development.
iaff.org
“We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.”
Knowledge & Skills
Fire, EMS, and Emergency Response
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Over 17 years of progressive fire and EMS experience, serving from Firefighter/EMT through Fire Captain. Training and instructional expert with specialization in tactics, fireground operations, and firefighter survival.
Incident Management
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Extensive experience in NIMS and ICS application, including incident command and operational leadership for all-hazards emergency response.
Training and Instruction
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10+ years of instructional experience delivering training for local, state, and national agencies; subject matter expertise in firefighter survival, search, tactics, and crew performance.
Fire and EMS Leadership
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Over a decade of experience as an initial incident commander with deep proficiency in accountability systems, crew resource management, and strategic/tactical decision-making.
Military
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24+ years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve with specialization in logistics and service as a Senior Enlisted Advisor to military commanders.
Specialities
- Fireground Tactics
- Firefighter Survival
- Advanced Search
- Incident Command
- Emergency Operations
- Crew Resource
- Training Development
- Live-Fire Instruction
- Rescue Operations
- ALERRT Instruction
- Instructor Development
- Multi-Agency Coordination
- Senior Advisor
- Military Logistics
- Leadership Mentorship
Accomplishments
NIMS Certifications
IS-100, 200, 700, 800
Incident Response Leadership
Led hundreds of all-hazards emergencies as Initial Incident Commander.
Fireground Training Expertise
Developed & delivered advanced survival, RIC, search, and interior attack programs.
ALERRT Adjunct Instructor
Trained fire, EMS, and law enforcement in Active Attack Integrated Response.
Senior Leadership (E-9)
Provided leadership, policy guidance, and readiness oversight through 24+ years in the USMC Reserve.
Multi-Agency Coordination
Coordinated fire, EMS, law enforcement, and military operations under NIMS/ICS.
Academy Program Development
Designed and led multi-station academy scenarios including live-fire, RIC and advanced search training.
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