Joe Hernandez has over 40 years of Public Safety and Disaster Response experience. He is currently serving as a Fire Commissioner with the Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District in Florida
Upon formation of FEMA and ESF-9 in the early 90s he was assigned to the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Medical Specialist Program where he served with the National Response System and South Florida US&R Task Force II as EMS Chief, while responding to our nation’s most challenging disasters. Joe has participated and/or directed medical response efforts in numerous national and international mass casualty all-hazards natural and made-made disaster incidents including the OKC Bombing, Value Jet Crash, Puerto Rico Humberto Vidal Building Explosion, Atlanta World Olympics, World Trade Center Attacks, numerous Hurricanes from Andrew to Katrina, and the Haiti Earthquake.
During the Surfside Condominium Collapse Joe was requested by the FEMA US&R Program Office to respond and assist. Originally, on scene as the Disaster Correspondent for CNN and Tele Mundo News.
A lead instructor, course coordinator, and content SME for the federal FEMA US&R Medical Team Training Program. He holds degrees in Fire Science and Emergency Medical Sciences with certifications as a FEMA US&R Medical and Rescue Specialist. In addition, Technician Level Certifications in Rope Rescue, Extrication, Trench Rescue, Confined Space, Structural Collapse, Hazardous Material ALS, Rescue Diver, and Dry Suite Operations.
Joe continues to serve as a Fire Service, Technical Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services instructor in addition to international technical advisor, instructor, seasoned lecturer, and course developer. Topics include US&R, CBRNE, and Disaster Emergency Medical Services and Tactical programs for various local, state, and federal agencies, U.S. Department of Defense, universities, conferences, and seminars throughout the US and abroad.
Joe is CEO of Disaster Medical Solutions and Medical Special Operations Community (MSOC a 501c3). Both are international organizations dedicated to assisting individuals and communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from acts of nature, domestic and international terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and high-consequence events through teaching, training, technical assistance, and medical management.
Joe is bilingual, and serves as board member with Greater Pine Island Alliance and Kiwanis of GPI, is a member of the First Baptist Church of SJC, a West Point Parent Club Alumni, and a Gold Star father.
