Michael Despain

Michael Despain

CEO/President, M.E.D. Enterprises Inc.

Micheal Despain has over 38 years of experience in the public safety field, previously serving as fire chief for the City of Clovis (CA) and the City of Lincoln (NE). He has also served as interim fire chief for the cities of Fresno (CA), Rocklin (CA), Piedmont (CA), as well as a second time serving Lincoln (NE). He is currently serving as a consultant specializing in helping fire service agencies meet their community’s expectations for diversity, equity, and inclusivity through strategic planning and proven processes.

Chief Despain has served as a subject matter expert and consultant on fire and EMS projects for the U.S. Fire Administration and Center for Public Safety Excellence. He
has also served as a board member for the League of California Cities and California Fire Chiefs Association, developing policy and legislation on numerous state and national fire service issues. He speaks regularly at a broad array of conferences and training venues on emergency service outcomes, professional development, and other
contemporary issues facing the fire service. Over the years he has made substantial contributions to written publications on DEI issues including the 21 st Century Fire and Emergency Services (July 2020) white paper – a joint project between the International City/County Managers Association, the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and the National Fire Protection Association