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Fire Assessment Center Prep provides actionable assessment center and oral board training designed to help you further your career. Scroll below to learn about our team and how we can help you become a better officer along the way.
Chief Freddie's Career and Contributions
Service with the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue
Chief Freddie began his journey with the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue in March 1983. Throughout his career, Freddie held many roles, including Firefighter/Paramedic, Engine Company Driver-Engineer, Rescue Squad Paramedic, and Company Officer for both Engine and Ladder Companies. In 1990, he took on the role of recruit instructor, guiding 55 new hires through minimum standards training.
Leadership Roles and Achievements
In 1999, Freddie was promoted to Chief Fire Officer, taking responsibility for 14 fire stations staffed by 150 members per shift and handling over 250 emergency calls each day. Reporting to him were three chief officers and five captains. On September 19, 2009, Freddie was elevated to Deputy Fire Chief (Operations) for Miami Fire Rescue, where he supervised the Emergency Response Division, the Training Division, and the Fire Marshal’s office. During his tenure, he contributed to significant projects, such as the Port of Miami tunnel, Marlins Stadium, an attrition plan to address the retirement of 40% of the workforce in a single year, and the development of a five-year strategic plan. After more than 31 years of dedicated service, Chief Freddie retired in November 2014.
Teaching and Training Experience
Freddie’s passion for teaching began in 1985, instructing all EMS levels from First Responder to Paramedic. He served as an instructor at Miami Dade College from 1985 to 2001, working at the police academy, fire academy, and medical campus. His extensive background in Public Safety education includes training firefighters, police officers, and corrections officers. He has also designed and led courses for driver-engineers, strategy and tactics, and Officer Development programs. Freddie holds Associate of Science degrees in EMS and Fire Science from Miami Dade College and has been a presenter at FDIC, Firehouse Expo, and Firehouse World on several occasions.
Specialization in Test Preparation
Since 1999, Chief Freddie has specialized in test preparation courses for both entry-level and promotional candidates in public safety. He has facilitated, developed, assessed, or participated in hundreds of examination processes, and has led seminars and private training sessions with outstanding outcomes. Hundreds of his trainees have achieved number one scores in their promotional processes, while thousands have ranked within the top five. Chief Freddie has provided training for personnel from over 500 agencies across 47 states.
Chief David Johns
Chief Johns began his career in Palm Beach County Florida in April of 1990. Chief Johns has served in many capacities including firefighter, driver, paramedic, Lieutenant, Company Officer on both a pumper and ladder, EMS Captain, and as a District Chief worked in the busiest Battalion in the county since 2005.
David received his BA from Barry University in 1988, he is a certified Instructor III, Live Fire Instructor, Inspector, and Safety Officer. Chief Johns has prepped entry level, lieutenant, captain, and chief officers for promotional examinations with amazing results. David has been an instructor for Palm Beach State College as well as other private companies in the area. Also serving as a Field Training Instructor and instructor for Officer Candidate School for the county working with newly promoted Chiefs in Incident Command, accountability, remediation, and proctoring. Chief Johns has been a speaker at FDIC, Fire House World, and published in Fire House Magazine.
Chief Ron Beesley
Deputy Chief Ron Beesley (ret) served Palm Beach County Fire Rescue for over 30 years, including over 10 years as IAFF Local president. Ron held the positions of Firefighter, Company Officer, Battalion Chief, Administrative Chief, Training Chief and retired as Deputy Chief of Operations in charge of over 1,500 firefighters out of over 50 fire stations.
Chief Beesley has extensive experience at the training level, and front-line knowledge in command and control of countless emergencies from residential fires to large commercial and high-rise fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, MCI’s and much more.
Chief Beesley brings all this real-life practical experience as well as extensive skill in assessment center training, evaluating, interviewing and officer development.
Matt Gaffney
Chief Matt Gaffney served for 30 years with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. He began his career as a firefighter/paramedic, rising through the ranks to become a lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and district chief. As a DC he led 3 shifts, 6 battalion chiefs, 6 EMS captains, 13 stations and over 300 personnel. In that capacity, he regularly interacted with city managers and council members and spoke at city commission meetings.
Chief Gaffney assisted Palm Beach County Human Resources as a Subject Matter Expert in the development and delivery of multiple promotional tests for the ranks of captain and battalion chief. He has served as a rater in numerous promotional exams.
Chief Gaffney holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration and an AS in Emergency Medical Services. He is a Florida Instructor III, Fire Safety Inspector, and has held a Live Fire Training Instructor certification.
As a lifelong union member, Chief Gaffney served as district vice president for both the battalion chief and district chief ranks, representing members in grievance hearings as well as serving as a member of the Negotiations Committee during collective bargaining sessions.
In retirement, he continues to serve as a trustee for the Palm Beach County Firefighter Benefits Fund, a self-funded health insurance plan with over $35 million in assets, responsible for the well-being of over 5000 active and retired members and their dependents.
Marvin Perry | Battalion Fire Chief
Marvin Perry is a seasoned fire service executive with two decades of experience in emergency operations, specialized program management, and organizational leadership. As Battalion Fire Chief with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, he oversees multiple fire stations, manages complex incidents, and upholds the highest standards of operational readiness and accountability.
Throughout his career, Chief Perry has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a relentless commitment to excellence. Rising through the ranks from cross-trained Firefighter/Paramedic to Battalion Fire Chief, his journey includes pivotal roles such as Lieutenant, Program Manager within the Training and Leadership Academy, Captain/Station Commander, Acting Battalion Chief, and now Battalion Fire Chief. Renowned for his ability to lead under pressure, foster cohesive teams, and mentor emerging fire service leaders, Chief Perry has become a respected figure in the industry.
Chief Perry’s collaborative efforts extend beyond his department, as he works closely with county officials, community stakeholders, and federal agencies to strengthen interagency partnerships. His strategic alignment of resources enhances service delivery while bolstering public trust. As a trusted subject matter expert and assessor, he has contributed valuable insights to promotional processes across the Washington metropolitan area, ensuring fairness and professionalism in every panel.
Chief Perry holds a degree in Forensic Science and boasts an impressive array of certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Fire Inspector III, and Maryland Instructor Certification, as recognized by the Maryland Instructor Certification Review Board. Whether commanding large-scale emergencies, managing impactful programs, or forging regional partnerships, Chief Perry exemplifies resilience, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to public service.
Charles "Eddie" Vanhoy
Charles (Eddie) Vanhoy is a career firefighter with over 27 years of experience. He has been a member of both paid and volunteer fire departments and is currently a Battalion Chief for Charlotte Fire Department (CFD).
During his CFD career, he has been a member of the airport division, USAR Deployment team, Swift Water Team, Critical Incident Management Team, Peer Support Team, and Incident Management Team. He has been on several deployments dating back to 1998 for wildfires assisting the US Forestry Service and several hurricanes.
Chief Vanhoy graduated with honors with a master’s degree in emergency management at American Military University, a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Management from the University of North Carolina at Fayetteville, and an associate degree in Fire Science from Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC.
Chief Vanhoy teaches at several colleges in degree programs and IFSAC /Pro-Board certifications. Chief Vanhoy is a level III instructor qualified to teach numerous certifications, including Airport Firefighter, Fire Fighter I & II, Haz-Mat, ICS courses, Technical Rescue, and others. Chief Vanhoy was invited to speak at the ARFF Working group Chiefs Conference in Orlando in 2018.
Chief Vanhoy holds numerous state and federal certifications that are accredited by IFSAC, Pro-Board, and the National Fire Academy. Chief Vanhoy is credentialed with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as Planning Section Chief, Division/Group Supervisor, and Resource Unit Leader.
In Memory of Chief Jeff Fitzgerald
August 28, 1964 – May 22, 2025
Honoring a Life of Dedication, Leadership, and Strength
A Legacy of Service and Integrity
Jeff Fitzgerald’s remarkable journey in the fire service began in September 1990, when he joined the Miami Fire Rescue training academy. Even as a rookie, Jeff’s quiet strength and resolute dedication set him apart. His peers quickly recognized his leadership qualities, electing him as squad leader during the rigorous 26-week training program—a role he fulfilled with unwavering focus and integrity.
Jeff’s career with Miami Fire Rescue was marked by excellence across every assignment and rank he held. Whether on the front lines or in leadership positions, he brought an unmatched work ethic, humility, and a sense of purpose to his duties. He was the embodiment of what it meant to serve with honor.
A Mentor to Many
While Jeff’s professional accomplishments were notable, it was his role as a mentor that truly defined his enduring impact. Through his dedication to the Fire Assessment Center Prep team, Jeff shaped the careers of countless firefighters. He generously shared his knowledge, guided aspiring leaders with patience and wisdom, and lit the path forward for many in the fire service.
His mentorship extended beyond instruction; it was a heartfelt mission. Jeff believed in the potential of every individual he taught, and his legacy lives on in the leaders he helped mold.
Remembering Jeff
As we remember Chief Jeff, we honor not only the life he lived but the lives he touched. May his memory inspire us to lead with purpose, serve with courage, and teach with passion.
Forever in our hearts.
Chief Jeff Fitzgerald
Chief Jeff Fitzgerald proudly served with the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue for over 25 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Engine Company Driver Engineer, Dive Rescue Team member, Company Officer of EMS-Rescue, Engine, and Ladder Companies, EMS Battalion Captain and Chief Fire Officer.
As Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain he was assigned to some of the busiest companies in Miami. As EMS Battalion Captain he was responsible for oversight, training, quality assurance and command of large EMS incidents during each shift, which included 15 fire stations, 24 ALS Rescues, and approximately 275 alarms responded to daily.
Once promoted to District Chief he was responsible for a single District with 5 stations 18 companies and 54 personnel. He moved up to fill the role of Battalion Chief, responsible for all 3 Districts, and operations on the entire shift, approximately 20% of the time. This included management of over 154 line personnel and daily staffing of all positions.
Some of the other areas of involvement during Chief Fitzgerald’s tenure at the Miami Fire Department are: one of the original members, since 1991 of the FEMA USAR Team FLTF2, including deployments to Hurricane Katrina and Haiti after the earthquake in 2010. Extensive Union involvement including 20 year Executive Board Member, 3 years as 1st VP, 10 years as Secretary/Treasurer, active negotiation of 5 Collective Bargaining agreements, and involvement at the State and International levels. He has also sat on many boards and committees including Pension Board Trustee for 5 years, a founding member of the Miami Firefighters Health Benefit Trust and he currently sits on the advisory board of the Defined Benefit Retirement Protection Fund.
Chief Fitzgerald holds Associate’s Degrees in both Fire Science and Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational Leadership.
He scored number 4, on his Lieutenant’s exam, out of 125 applicants, and number 1 on more than 1 tactical and in-basket assessment center scenario for his Captain’s and Chief’s exams.
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