John Oates is the president and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute (I-PDSI), the fire service’s leader in data and analytics. As CEO, he is responsible for growth, adoption, and continuous improvement of the NFORS Analytics, Exposure Tracker, and FireCARES programs. Prior to being appointed I-PSDI CEO in 2021, John served as chief of the East Hartford (CT) Fire Department for 13 years. Before that, he served in West Hartford, CT, for 20 years, reaching the rank of battalion chief. John has a bachelor's degree from Franklin Pierce University, a master's degree from Oklahoma State University, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, and holds numerous professional certifications. He has been an advocate in the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation's Everyone Goes Home Program since the inception of the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives.