Michael Pruitt

With over 30 years of knowledge and experience with firefighting and emergency services, Michael Pruitt rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Chief in the Dallas Fire Department. In that position, he was responsible for the lives and performance of supervisors and firefighters serving in 30 separate stations across a large geographic region in the Dallas area. Michael Pruitt is also a former Chief of the Longview Fire Department, in Longview, Texas.

In addition to the duties and practices normally associated with Firefighting and Emergency Medical service, Pruitt has knowledge and experience in dealing with the management of scenarios that require coordination of multiple government agencies. Responsible for crews serving the Love Field and Redbird Airports, he trained his staff to deal with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) situations. He also served as the liaison officer among agencies involved with the safe operation of the airports.

Pruitt's involvement in training expanded when he reached the rank of Deputy Chief. During this period, he participated in simulations of airplane crashes and hostage situations, as well as a weapons-of-mass-destruction exercise. Each situation required a coordinated and measured response to achieve the most positive outcome for the citizens in the Dallas region.

Not satisfied with only on-the-job training, Michael Pruitt has made classroom education an important part of his life. He completed his Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington during his early years with the Dallas Department, and he has consistently sought additional training and certification from state and national institutions alike. He holds numerous teaching and instructor certificates. Most recently, he earned a Master of Science in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University, in Garland, Texas, and is currently enrolled in Oklahoma State University's Master of Science Fire and Emergency Management Program.