ACC’s Public Safety Training Center welcomes a new director to the state-of-the-art facility. We interviewed Dr. Todd Radford to learn more about the vision and expertise he brings to ACC.
“ACC is fortunate to have someone of Dr. Radford’s distinguished background and visionary leadership which will elevate the stature of the Public Safety Training Center at the local, state, and federal levels,” says Dr. Giao Phan, dean of Public & Social Services.
What are some things you envision for the PSTC?
I am very excited to be taking over a wonderful facility with an exemplary staff. This is an outstanding opportunity to influence the direction of training and education for the first responders in Central Texas. It is my desire to expand programming, create academic certificate programs, and be a part of future discussions within our first responder community. We have the potential to enhance the public safety workforce through excellent training and innovation.
Do you have a motto or mantra or personal philosophy?
Early in my leadership endeavors, I became very attached to a quote by John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more, and become more, then you are a leader.”
It has always been my desire to bring out the best in others by using all the gifts I have been given. If I could make others better, then I would be fulfilled in my own life, personally and professionally. I served in the public safety profession for over 30 years with this simple idea in my heart.
What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
Faith, family, work, and play.
I was taught early to be grounded in faith — to try to be true to myself and my values and to be genuine.
I enjoy spending the time building memories and legacy with my family because in the end, they will be the ones who matter the most.
To work hard while I have the ability to do so. And, not to toil with matters of insignificance, but to spend my time in making a difference — in people and in circumstances. Think big, think bold, think toward innovation — be excellent.
To play, to really enjoy this wonderful life. I like to unplug from the demands of work-life by playing golf, exercising, traveling, and relaxing with my dogs and family. Finding joy in the simple things helps my heart.
Biography
Dr. Todd A. Radford has a unique law enforcement background spanning over 30 years. Recently, he retired from law enforcement as a chief of police. Dr. Radford’s experiences in policing range from city, county, and state jurisdictions which included positions ranging from patrol deputy to detective to various other police roles culminating in his appointment as chief of police.
Since 2000, Dr. Radford has been the owner and CEO of his own facilitation and consulting business. He has conducted multiple training courses across the United States, Canada, and overseas. His unique and dynamic instructional style is a result of over 25 years of facilitation experience and formal studies.
Dr. Radford serves on multiple boards and committees due to his extensive knowledge in policing and executive leadership. He currently serves on the Department of Public Safety Wellness Institute board, the SIGMA Tactical Wellness board, and the FBI – Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s curriculum design committee.
As a chief of police, Dr. Radford was the first chief in Texas to implement the use of body cameras by his patrol force. He was the first to have his entire patrol force certified as mental health officers. He was the first chief of police in Texas to have a three-tiered wellness program for all certified personnel, which included fitness testing, comprehensive cardiac and medical screenings, nutritional counseling, and a mandated yearly psychological review.
Dr. Radford is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Police (PERF). Dr. Radford is a graduate and a former instructor for the International Association of Police – Leading Police Organizations program, commonly known as the West Point Leadership for Police program. Dr. Radford is a graduate, and currently a national instructor for the FBI – Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) Trilogy courses.
Dr. Radford holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, a Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership, and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from the University of Charleston in West Virginia.
For all of Dr. Radford’s accomplishments, personally and professionally, nothing is more important than his family. He has been married to a wonderful Texas woman for over 32 years. He and his wife have two sons, both serving as police officers in Central Texas.
Welcome Dr. Radford to the Riverbat family via email at [email protected] or leave a message on this Padlet wall.
