Leo Deason
Army Veteran with 25 years in fire service now serving as Program Director at Regional Training Institute, bringing military discipline and innovation to EMS education.
Military & Fire Service Background
Leo Deason entered the fire service in 1992 after serving 4 years of active duty in the Army. He was employed with Homewood Fire and Rescue from 1992 until 2017, performing his 25 years of duty on an Advanced Life Support non-transport vehicle when he retired.
Leo was also employed with McCalla Fire District as a paramedic and training officer during the period of 2004 until 2011, demonstrating his commitment to both emergency response and education throughout his distinguished career.
Educational Innovation & Excellence
In 2010 Leo was employed by Herzing University to develop curriculum for an Emergency Medical Services program. The program was created and soon became a premier educational system for EMS certification. While at Herzing University, Leo and his team were awarded in 2014 the Marilyn Grubbs Excellence in Education Award for leadership in EMS education.
2014 Marilyn Grubbs Excellence in Education Award
Recognized for outstanding leadership in EMS education and curriculum development at Herzing University
Founding Regional Training Institute
In 2022 Leo developed the concept of a non-profit EMS education system to attempt an effort to provide EMS students with an affordable high-quality education. In January 2023 Regional Training Institute was established by the means of Regional Paramedical Services and Sumiton Fire and Rescue forming a consortium.
Vision for Affordable EMS Education
Leo's innovative approach to creating a non-profit educational system demonstrates his commitment to making high-quality EMS training accessible to all students, regardless of financial background.
Educational Background & Certifications
Leo began his education at UAB, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Psychology in 1987. He continued his education achieving multiple specialized degrees and completed his Master of Science in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University in 2007.
Leo became an EMT in 1993, Intermediate EMT in 1994 and then completed the paramedic certification in 1995.
Academic Degrees
- B.S. Criminal Justice/Psychology - UAB (1987)
- A.A.S. Fire Science - Jefferson State
- A.A.S. Emergency Medical Services - Wallace State
- A.S. History
- B.S. Public Safety Administration
- M.S. Emergency Management - JSU (2007)
EMS Certifications
- EMT Certification (1993)
- Intermediate EMT (1994)
- Paramedic Certification (1995)
- Training Officer Certification
- Curriculum Development Specialist
Legacy & Vision for EMS Education
Leo Deason's innovative vision and award-winning leadership have transformed EMS education, creating accessible pathways for future emergency medical professionals. His dedication to combining military discipline, fire service experience, and educational excellence continues to shape the next generation of EMS providers through Regional Training Institute.