Derek Alkonis is a research program manager for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes. In this role, Derek manages the implementation of organizational initiatives related to firefighter health and safety and spearhead FSRI’s efforts in addressing wildland urban interface, a priority expansion area for our research. Prior to joining FSRI, Derek served 31 years with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, most recently as assistant fire chief in charge of the Air and Wildland Fire Division. During his tenure with LA County, he helped establish the department as a leader in fire ground safety and fire service wellness-fitness. As a firm proponent of training, he has developed and implemented innovative programs supporting fire ground tactics, survival, and fire fighter health. He is a member of the IAFF/IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative Technical Committee and holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of California San Diego.