Ray Stiles is a seasoned emergency management professional with extensive experience in disaster preparedness and response. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to public safety, community resilience, and leadership in crisis situations. Ray is a certified Municipal Emergency Management professional through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), which highlights his expertise in municipal-level emergency coordination and planning.

Ray's journey in public safety began with volunteering at his local fire company, where he now serves as vice president. His experience expanded as he worked in a county 911 center while simultaneously putting himself through the police academy. Today, he serves as a police officer and is a member of the county’s Major Incident Response Team. This diverse background has equipped Ray with a multifaceted understanding of emergency management, enhancing his ability to handle a wide range of crisis situations.

Currently, Ray is the Emergency Management Coordinator for a municipality near Philadelphia, where he is responsible for the community's preparedness to handle large-scale incidents. His role requires ensuring the safety and readiness of the community for various emergencies, including both natural and human-made disasters. Ray's leadership has been particularly impactful in Special Event Management, where he has successfully coordinated safety measures for large public gatherings, ensuring they are conducted safely and efficiently.

A key aspect of Ray's expertise lies in damage assessment. His ability to quickly evaluate the impact of disasters allows him to coordinate effective recovery efforts, helping the community recover faster from incidents. Additionally, Ray's training in understanding human behavior during emergencies, including courses on Behavior in Groups, Crowds, and Mobs, equips him to manage large groups effectively during high-stress situations, maintaining calm and order.

Ray is also dedicated to serving vulnerable populations, focusing on Access and Functional Needs to ensure emergency plans are inclusive and provide necessary support to individuals with disabilities or special requirements. His approach underscores the importance of comprehensive emergency planning that addresses the needs of the entire community.

In addition to his leadership capabilities, Ray has completed a wide range of technical certifications. These include the Incident Command System (ICS) 100-800 courses, which provide a solid foundation for interagency coordination and effective incident management. His Preboard HazMat certification enhances his ability to respond to hazardous material incidents, and his certification in Hazardous Weather and Flooding Preparedness ensures he is well-equipped to handle extreme weather events.

Ray's skills also extend to handling high-stress incidents involving potential violence, such as Active Shooter Response, and providing psychological first aid through training in Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention. This comprehensive skill set allows Ray to manage complex situations effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.

Ray Stiles' combination of technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to his community makes him a vital asset in the field of emergency management. His broad range of skills and commitment to public safety highlight his role as a trusted and effective emergency management professional, always striving to enhance the safety and preparedness of his municipality.