Speakers

Strengthening Community Resilience: Enhancing Disaster Recovery Capabilities and Environmental Stability

A Forward-Looking Perspective on Future Disasters and the Role of the Los Angeles Fire Department and Local Volunteers. Former Disaster Preparedness Officer (DPO). Supervises the LAFD CERT Program and serves as the department's liaison Emergency Manager to the City’s Emergency Operations Center, collaborating seamlessly with the family of Los Angeles Departments.

About Rico A. Gross

Rico A. Gross, recently promoted to Battalion Chief for Battalion 1-C with the Los Angeles City Fire Department has over 22 years of service. Chief Gross has played a key role in overseeing the LAFD’s CERT Program and serves as the department’s liaison Emergency Manager to the City’s Emergency Operations Center. His experience includes coordinating large-scale exercises and training hundreds of CERT volunteers annually. Now leading one of the busiest areas of Los Angeles, Chief Gross is focused on clear communication and safety. He also contributes to the National CERT Association as a planner and instructor. As a speaker at the Disaster Expo, Chief Gross will share his practical experience in emergency management. Committed to inclusivity, disaster awareness, and public resilience, he works closely with departments and stakeholders to achieve shared goals, always striving to serve the community with integrity