Fisher’s First Director of Emergency Management Brings Secret Service Expertise to Campus

Meet Bradley Jacobs, the new director of emergency management at Fisher. With a rich background in law enforcement and security, Jacobs brings a wealth of experience to this newly created role for the University. With an inspiring career journey, memorable experiences, and exciting plans for the future, Jacobs has already hit the ground running on campus.

Jacobs’ career initially took off in his junior year of college when he accepted an internship with the Burlington Police Department which evolved into a part-time job. He used his time strategically, forming relationships with local business owners and creating security plans for special events. This initial experience working with the public sparked his passion for emergency management and security, leading him to a fulfilling career path.

The opportunity to become Fisher's first director of emergency management was an ideal fit for Jacobs. 

"The idea of filling this newly created position and building out the program had me hooked. I’m excited to introduce new ideas and continue to build on the foundation that’s already here in keeping the campus safe and prepared for future emergencies.”

In Jacobs’ 24-year career with the U.S. Secret Service, one of his most memorable experiences was being part of the protection detail for high-profile figures like the president, vice president, and their families. This role often required agents to blend into the environment and participate in the same activities as those they were protecting.  

A particularly memorable duty was serving as the lead skier for Vice President Joe Biden and his family on a ten-day trip to Aspen, Colorado. This duty required skiing with the vice president, coordinating with the Ski Patrol, and assuring slope safety. The experience of skiing for ten days in a row while assuring the vice president's safety was both thrilling and bizarre. Another highlight was a week-long wilderness fly fishing excursion in Montana with former President Jimmy Carter. These events highlight the variety and dynamic nature of employment with the Secret Service, giving him invaluable skills and memories that he brings to the current position at Fisher.

At Fisher, Jacobs intends to use his extensive expertise and certifications to create relationships and earn respect. He emphasizes the need for collaborating with different teams, business units, and organizations to achieve common objectives. This collaborative approach was instilled in him from the start at the Secret Service Academy, where the success of each mission was contingent on effective collaborations.

Throughout his career, Jacobs has participated in numerous National Special Security Events (NSSEs), such as presidential inaugurations, United Nations General Assembly, NATO Summit, Democratic/Republican Conventions, Papal visits, Super Bowl XXXVI, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. These events required constructing and implementing comprehensive security plans, often involving coordination with local, state, federal, and private sector entities. He said the ability to collaborate and partner with diverse stakeholders was crucial in ensuring the success of these high-profile events.

In today's society, technology, adaptability, and communication skills are essential for anyone in an emergency management role. According to Jacobs, adopting technology and discovering new ways to connect with students, educators, and staff is critical.

"The days of putting together a three-ring binder with some outdated plans collecting dust on a shelf are over. No one reads those. Here at Fisher, we’re going to continue to embrace technology. We’re exploring new and improved ways to communicate with our students, faculty, and staff. In an emergency, the goal is to always have the most up to date emergency preparedness information available and communicating accurate and timely information,” emphasizes Jacobs.

Jacobs is enthusiastic about his new role and the opportunity to work with the Fisher community. He has already enjoyed several meals in the dining hall. He particularly loved the beef brisket and is looking forward to trying the hibachi grill soon.

"Everyone at Fisher has been so welcoming. I’ve enjoyed meeting all my new colleagues, and I’m looking forward to continued engagement with the students, faculty, and staff so we can continue to build our plan for a prepared and safe campus. I’m eager to get to work," said Jacobs.