Eric J. Neal Cfe, Mpa, Bsem

Eric J. Neal, CFE, MPA, BSEM has extensive experience in the field of emergency response and public safety. Eric J. currently serves as the Fire Chief for the City of Balch Springs. Prior to this role, they worked as an Adjunct Instructor at Tarrant County College and as a Captain/AEMT at Rendon Fire Department. From 2015 to 2021, Eric was a Firefighter/AEMT at Arlington TX Fire Rescue, where they performed EMS and firefighting duties and assisted with the training of incoming recruits. Eric J. also worked as a Substitute Teacher at Arlington ISD from 2017 to 2020. Earlier in their career, Eric held the positions of Lieutenant/EMT-IV/OOR Battalion Chief at Shelby County Fire Department, Rescue Specialist at Tennessee Task Force One (TNTF-1) / DHS / FEMA Urban Search and Rescue, and Swat Medic at Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Throughout their career, Eric has demonstrated strong leadership skills, the ability to supervise emergency scenes, and a commitment to ongoing training and education for himself and their team.

Eric J. Neal, CFE, MPA, BSEM has a diverse education history. Eric J. obtained their Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Public Administration from Sam Houston State University from 2018 to 2020. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Arizona State University, where they studied from 2013 to 2018.

Earlier in their education, Eric attended The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1991 and 1992, where they pursued a degree in Journalism. Eric J. also holds a Diploma in General Studies from Wooddale High School, which they completed from 1989 to 1991.

In addition to their academic achievements, Eric Neal has obtained numerous certifications in the field of fire protection and emergency management. Some of their certifications include Instructor III, Master Instructor, Master Investigator, Fire officer IV, Chief Fire Executive, Incident Commander, and Incident Safety Officer - Fire Suppression (ISO), all obtained from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Eric J. has also obtained certifications such as Fire Officer III, Fire Officer II, Fire Officer I, Head of Department, Master Firefighter, Advanced Firefighter, Intermediate Firefighter, Fire Service Instructor II, Fire Service Instructor I, Fire Service Driver/Operator, Basic Firefighter, and ICS 400 and ICS 300 from various institutions such as the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

Eric's extensive education and certifications demonstrate their dedication and expertise in the fields of public administration, homeland security, emergency management, journalism, and fire protection.