Jake Carter

Emergency Management Director

Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area

About

With over 20 years of dedicated service in emergency response, my core competencies lie in field operations, crisis management, and public safety. My goal is to continually enhance the team's ability to respond with precision and empathy, ensuring that every emergency is met with the highest standard of care.

Experience

  • Emergency Management Director / Deputy 911 Director at Lake County
    Sep 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Responsible for leading countywide emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Oversees development and implementation of emergency operations plans, coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies, and ensures compliance with NIMS/ICS standards. Directs training, exercises, and public outreach programs to strengthen community resilience. Provides leadership during disasters, manages grant funding, and supports critical infrastructure protection across Lake County.

  • Adjunct Instructor at Dorsey College
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

    EMS Division - Grand Rapids Campus • Planned and delivered engaging lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions for the EMS program, ensuring alignment with course objectives. • Assessed student learning outcomes effectively, resulting in improved retention and success rates. • Actively supported student engagement through personalized communication, enhancing attendance and participation.

  • Lieutenant at Sparta Fire Department
    Sep 2015 - Present · 10 yrs 11 mos

    Prevents fire damage by conducting surveys and inspections for hazards; enforcing codes. Prepares citizens to prevent fire damage by developing and conducting educational and training programs. Responds to emergency calls, providing basic life support treatment to patients Minimizes fire damage by responding to alarms; driving and operating equipment; regulating water pressure; combating and extinguishing fires; rescuing and reviving people. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; notifying supervisor of needed repairs; evaluating new equipment and techniques. Maintains operations by following policies and procedures. Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; studying publications; participating in scheduled trainings. Maintains fire station building, grounds, and related equipment by completing maintenance schedules.

  • Emergency Dispatcher at Kent County Sheriff's Office, Michigan
    Jan 2017 - Sep 2025 · 8 yrs 9 mos

    Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and document important information. Respond to any issues and follow-up by coordinating with the appropriate departments or field units. Operate and manage a multi-line telephone console system. Respond to queries related to products and deliveries. Use the radio, phone or computer to direct crews and other field units to the appropriate sites. Prioritize and organize calls according to urgency. Maintain and update call logs, call records and other important documentation.

  • Marine/Reserve Deputy at Ottawa County
    Nov 2006 - Mar 2019 · 12 yrs 5 mos

    Serve and protect the citizens of Ottawa County. Enforce marine safety laws, conduct boat inspections, and monitor the activities of suspicious individuals on the water. Investigate crimes and collect evidence from vessels, beaches, and assist with underwater areas. Rescue individuals who may be injured or drowning. Prepare reports about collisions or criminal acts. Arrest perpetrators and transport them to detention facilities. Operate firefighting equipment and assist land department operations by water. Conduct search and rescue operations utilizing search equipment. As a reserve officer, assist sworn officers with their day-to-day activities. Provide law enforcement presence at events sponsored by private and public organizations. Provide traffic control for events.