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Captain Rex M. Scism (Ret) is a 32-year law enforcement veteran and former director of research and development for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He also had a successful military career, retiring from the Missouri Army National Guard after 20 years of service. Mr. Scism served as a public safety and private sector consultant and instructor for over 20 years. He formerly served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Criminal Justice for both Columbia College and the University of Central Missouri, and is a frequent contributor to multiple sources about various public safety topics. Mr. Scism is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 249th Session and currently serves as a content developer for Lexipol.

Connie McNamara is a founding partner of Preparedness Global and has more than 30 years of experience in strategic communication and crisis response. McNamara has served as a senior leader in a variety of organizations and has handled communications around complex situations involving natural disasters, finance and civil and criminal investigations. A former journalist, she has presented on communications at national and international conferences.

Melissa Meyers, NRP, combines her experience as a firefighter, paramedic and educator to bring dynamic, thought-provoking, and experiential learning to all of her classes. Melissa is ALS program manager at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. She holds a Master of Education degree from Liberty University with a concentration in teaching and learning English, and certification as a National Registry Paramedic.

Nick Thomson, BS, is a third-year medical student at the University of Washington School of Medicine. His interests are in emergency medicine, ultrasound, global health and prehospital care. He has been honored with the University of Washington School of Medicine Service Learning Award, serves as a medical student ambassador and is the student coordinator for the Marie Blanchard Friendship Clinic. Additionally, he worked with Seattle Medic One and King County Public Health Department in Seattle, Washington developing an algorithm using EMS data to track opioid overdoses.

Ryan Kelley, NREMT, is a nationally registered emergency medical technician and the former managing editor of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS). In his current capacity as medical editor for American Addiction Centers, Ryan works to provide accurate, authoritative information to those seeking help for substance abuse and behavioral health issues.

Amy Morgan, MSC, CFRC(D), TECC-LEO, is the founder and executive training director of Academy Hour, a training provider offering mental health and leadership courses to law enforcement, first response teams and public safety personnel. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology, specializing in trauma and disaster relief, has earned a master’s degree in counseling and holds a bachelor of science in behavioral sciences. She previously served as the training officer for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. She is TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care)/LEFR (Law Enforcement First Responder) certified.

EMS1.com contributing author “Captain Bob” Smith has helped countless entry level and promotional candidates obtain their badges. He’s gained experience from more than 175 oral boards, is a coach, publisher, and author.

In Public Safety is an American Military University (AMU) sponsored blog that features analysis and commentary on issues relating to law enforcement, emergency management, fire services and national intelligence. This blog features in-depth discussions authored by leading experts with decades of experience in their field. To stay updated on blog posts and other news relevant to these sectors, please follow us on Facebook by “liking” AMU & APUS Public Safety Programs. You can also follow us on our sector-specific Twitter accounts: @AMUPoliceEd, @AMUFireEd, @AMUDisasterEd, @AMUIntelStudies

Ann Marie Farina, BS, is a mental health advocate and educator with deep ties to the first responder community. She currently operates All-Hazards Wellness, a mental wellness company based on the emergency management principles of preparation, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation. From 2014 to 2020, she ran The Code Green Campaign, a first responder oriented non-profit organization focused on mental wellness in the workplace.

Between 2003 and 2016, Ann Marie worked as a paramedic and EMS educator in a variety of settings in Alaska and Washington. Ann Marie holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Central Washington University along with an Associate’s of Applied Science in Paramedicine from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Ann Marie is a member of the EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board. She can be reached at me@annmariefarina.com