Vernon Champlin

Vernon's (Vern) fire service career spans two decades in emergency response, prevention, and recovery capacities, from firefighter to chief officer, fire marshal, community advocate, and trusted advisor. He currently serves as a Senior Consultant and Manager of the Jensen Hughes Colorado Springs operations. He holds a Bachelor’s in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University, a Master’s in public administration (MPA), and is a 2009 graduate of the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program at the National Fire Academy.

Vern’s practical field experience and commitment to public safety contribute to his application of fire codes and standards to achieve effective yet realistic strategies to make our world safe, secure, and resilient. Through effective engineered systems and advanced emergency response strategies, he has contributed to complex design projects at home and abroad, including residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and large assembly occupancies.

Vern is an engaged student of effective leadership, fire protection, and emergency response services. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and serves as the Jensen Hughes liaison to the National Association of State Fire Marshals. He has presented internationally on fire protection, emergency services, and wildland fire. For nearly a decade, Vern has been a technical committee member on NFPA 1140: Standard for Wildland Fire Protection, and in 2022, co-author of the "Handbook of Cognitive and Autonomous Systems for Fire Resilient Infrastructures."