With more than 34 years of service as a Battalion Chief with the Los Angeles Fire Department and extensive experience coordinating crisis management at the national level, Rick Crawford has dedicated his career to protecting communities, guiding organizations through emergencies, and building resilient teams.
Rick has commanded responses to some of the most complex and high-risk incidents—fires, hazardous materials, active shooter situations, aviation accidents, large-scale wildfires, 911 system failures, and National Special Security Events including presidential inaugurations and state funerals. His expertise spans crisis communications, interagency coordination, continuity of operations, and building crisis-ready teams across government and private sectors.
As a Crisis Management Expert and Consultant, Chief Crawford provides organizations with the tools and strategies to recognize, respond, and resolve emergencies effectively. From developing crisis management plans and mutual-aid agreements to training executives and crisis teams, my mission is to ensure preparedness, resiliency, and operational excellence.
• Proven Crisis Leadership – Boots-on-the-ground command combined with executive-level strategy.
• National & Global Perspective – Experience in U.S. Capitol security, large-scale special events, and international crisis commentary.
• Media Expertise – Trusted on-air analyst for CNN, FOX News, ABC, and NBC, providing clear insight during unfolding crises.
• Educator & Keynote Speaker – Delivering actionable strategies on crisis leadership, emergency planning, and organizational resilience.
Rick believes in proactive preparedness. His methodology—Recognize, Respond, Resolve—ensures that organizations not only withstand crises but emerge stronger. He works closely with clients to assess vulnerabilities, build capacity, and establish plans that protect people, assets, and reputations.