Chief (Ret.) James T. Steffens, FIFireE, EFO
Chairman

Chief Steffens formed the firm in 1988 and, after his retirement in 1992, expanded its operations to a full time endeavor. His experience in the fire and emergency service field totals over 45 years in both the volunteer and career components. Prior to assuming a career position in the fire service Chief Steffens was an urban planning and development consultant to various units of government throughout the country.

Jim served as the Chief of the Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue District (initially named the Oneco-Tallevast Fire Control District) from 1982 until his retirement in 1992. During his fire service career he has served at all ranks from fire fighter to Fire Chief. While serving as Fire Chief Jim was active with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and represented the organization on the NFPA Fire Department Apparatus Committee.

For over twenty years, Jim has worked with a variety of fire service organizations including developing and delivering educational programs for VFIS during the mid and late 1990's. He also served for over 20 years, until recently, as an active adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy in the Executive Fire Officer and Management Science Programs. Beginning 1994 through 2002, he initiated the development and delivery of several management programs for both the New Zealand Fire Service and the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC).

In 2014, Jim changed his position from CEO to Chairman and took a less active role in the firm’s operations. While he still participates in the firm’s activities, the management of the firm is administered by Lisa Hart, the firm’s CEO.

Herb Smith
Director of Field Operations

Chief Smith has over 30 years fire service experience and currently serves as a Battalion Chief for the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District in Manatee County, Florida. Herb joined Southern Manatee in 1990 as a firefighter, was promoted to Lieutenant (Company Officer) in 1996, and Battalion Chief in 2002. Herb is nearing retirement from Southern Manatee later in 2022.

Herb began his involvement with promotional processes with a concentration in fire rescue operations and has an extensive history of operational training and application. Chief Smith holds Florida certifications as an EMT, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, and Fire Officer. During his tenure as a Battalion Chief, he has served as a Strike Team Leader and has been deployed on several major emergency incidents.

Herb has worked with the firm for over fifteen (15) years in a variety of roles. In addition to his early specialization in operations, he has progressed to his involvement in all aspects of projects undertaken by the firm. During his association with JTS he has served as an operational scenario designer and facilitator, role player, and project manager. Herb has completed the training and is certified assessor with JTS.

Herb’s primary contribution currently as the Director of Field Operations is the interaction with clients and the selection and guidance of the project team for each assignment JTS is selected to perform.