Tom Merrill is a 43-year fire department veteran and serves with the Snyder Fire Department, which is located in Amherst, New York (first ring suburb of the City of Buffalo). He served 26 years as a department officer including 15 years in the chief officer ranks. He was chief of department from 2007-2012 and currently serves as a Fire Commissioner for the Snyder Fire District. Tom is a regular FDIC presenter and has conducted a variety of fire service programs and keynote addresses throughout the country. He hosts a podcast sponsored by Fire Engineering titled "The Professional Volunteer Fire Department" and his book "The Professional Volunteer Fire Department" was published by Fire Engineering Books and Videos and was released in September 2023. Tom is employed full time as the Senior Fire Dispatcher in charge of the Town of Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office.