Mesa Fire and Medical Department is proud to present two of the most well-known speakers in the industry. Both of these gentlemen are well-respected leaders in their fields, known for their expertise, commitment, and contributions to the betterment of communities through effective leadership and enforcement practices.
Gordon Graham
Mr. Gordon Graham is a 33-year veteran (now retired) of California law enforcement. In this capacity, he served as a street cop, supervisor, manager, and executive. Mr. Graham was awarded a B.A. in Business from San Francisco State College, a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach, a master’s degree in Safety and Systems Management from the University of Southern California, and a juris doctorate from Western State University. He has taken his background as a cop, risk manager and attorney and is the co-founder of Lexipol, a company designed to standardize public safety practices around America. He has presented to public safety personnel from around the world.
Dennis Compton
Chief Dennis Compton served in the fire service for 54 years. He was the Fire Chief in Mesa (AZ) for 6 years and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix (AZ) where he served for 28 years. Chief Compton is Past Chair of the Board of the International Fire Service Training Association – the Congressional Fire Services Institute National Advisory Council – the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors – Past Secretary of the International Public Safety Data Institute Board of Directors – as well as service on several other national, state, and local Boards. Chief Compton has performed in Command positions at many local, state, and national emergency incidents and disasters (natural and human-caused), and is also a well-known speaker, executive advisor, and author.
Chief Compton is the recipient of many national awards. Just a few include the ISFSI National Instructor of the Year Award; the CFSI/ Motorola National Fire Service Leadership Award; and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Metro Chiefs; the Arizona Fire Chiefs; the Fire Department Safety Officers; the Phoenix Fire Department; and the IAFF Phoenix Firefighters Local 493. Dennis is the recipient of the OSU) Journal of Leadership and Management Research Legacy Award; the IFSTA Everette E. Hudiburg Award; and he received IFSTA Emeritus Designation. Chief Compton is humbled to have been elected to the National Fire Heritage Center Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders; the Firehouse Legends and Icons National Hall of Fame; and he was a charter inductee into the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame.