Trending Topics
GordonGraham600x530.jpg

Gordon Graham

Risky Ramblings: Risk Management for Public Safety

Gordon Graham has been actively involved in law enforcement since 1973. He spent nearly 10 years as a very active motorcycle officer while also attending Cal State Long Beach to achieve his teaching credential, USC to do his graduate work in Safety and Systems Management with an emphasis on Risk Management, and Western State University to obtain his law degree. In 1982 he was promoted to sergeant and also admitted to the California State Bar and immediately opened his law offices in Los Angeles.

While serving as a field sergeant, he started to combine his legal education and experience along with his graduate education in Risk Management to develop processes designed to improve the quality of law enforcement. His early work included developing the “Five Pillars of Success” – which today serves as the foundation of Lexipol. Additionally, he was instrumental in developing the Drug Recognition Expert program and the “daily training bulletin” (DTB) concept. In 1995 he promoted to captain and retired from active duty in 2006.

He regularly serves as an educator and trainer to public safety professionals from around the world. He was the first recipient of the California Governor’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement training in 1995, and in 2005 received the “Presidential Award for Excellence” from the International Association of Fire Chiefs for his lifelong work in improving firefighter safety and performance. He is constantly in pursuit of “the next best way” to do things. And most importantly, he has assisted his beautiful wife in raising two great children who have given them great happiness.

LATEST ARTICLES
Don’t underestimate the value of your experience; share it with others, especially with those who are just starting out
We can no longer shrug bullying off as “culture” or laugh it off as “tradition”
First responders are not immune from the opioid crisis; here’s what to know
Gordon Graham recommends responders be vigilant and on the lookout for kids left in hot vehicles during warmer months
You can protect others, but what about yourself? Make sure you’re personally ready in the event of an emergency so you can assist others in their time of need
Bad behaviors associated with cliques may include the use of intimidation tactics, promotion of racist or sexist ideologies, or subverting the chain of command
Sometimes people will only judge you or your agency by the quality of your report, so take the time to do it right, and check your work!
The Lexipol co-founder details the impetus for creating this health-focused event for all first responders
Being a public safety professional can be very rewarding ... but it can also be very stressful
The concept of wellness encompasses the whole body, and leaders play a role in supporting the physical, mental and emotional needs of first responders