Biography - James L Wenzel

My name is Jim Wenzel, and I teach in the Fire Service Management Program. I am currently the Fire Chief for Klamath County Fire District No. 1 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I have been involved in the provision, training, education, and administration of fire and emergency services for more than thirty five years, with fifteen years at the Chief Officer level. My experiences during that time have ranged from Fire, Emergency Management, EMS, Hazardous Materials, and Rescue, to training, education, supervision, management, administration, and leadership. Through these experiences, I have learned to deal positively with students, teachers, responders, administrators, community leaders, and elected officials from planning and training, to crisis and recovery situations.

My education includes an Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, the latter earned at the University of Maryland University College, and a Master’s Degree in Education specializing in Instructional Technology, from the University of Wyoming. I am also nearly completed with my doctoral research and am focusing on Distance Education and its implication for the national and international Fire Service and Emergency Management response communities. Certification as an Executive Fire Officer from the National Fire Academy and Chief Officer for the State of California rounds out my education and training background.

These professional, training, and educational opportunities have prepared me to make a positive contribution to the APUS/AMU Fire Service Management Program. The position of Online Adjunct Professor provides an opportunity for me to grow as a teacher, instructor, and facilitator, and share with others the experience and knowledge I have gained. I am excited to be an adjunct Professor with APUS/AMU.