Thomasville Fire Rescue Chief Tim Connell has successfully completed the process that awards the professional designation of Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO). The Commission on Professional Credentialing® met August 10, 2026, to confer the designation. Connell becomes one of only 310 CEMSOs worldwide.
“I am honored to receive the international designation of Chief EMS Officer,” said Connell. “The rigorous process required to achieve this designation is well worth the effort when it enables me to continue making a positive impact on my TFR family and our community.”
The designation is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in seven measured components including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan. The designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential.
The Commission on Professional Credentialing awards the designation only after an individual successfully meets all the organization’s stringent criteria. Achieving this designation signifies a career commitment to the fire and emergency services.
This professional designation is valid for three years. Maintaining the designation requires recipients to show continued growth in the areas of professional development, professional contributions, active association membership, and community involvement, as well as adhere to a strict code of professional conduct. Chief Connell previously earned his Chief Fire Marshal designation in 2015 and his Chief Fire Officer designation in 2023.
“Team Thomasville and our entire community are grateful for Chief Connell’s lifelong dedication to public safety,” said City Manager Chris White. “His continued commitment to professional development strengthens not only Thomasville Fire Rescue but our entire organization and city.”
The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC), an entity of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, administers the designation program and consists of individuals from academia, federal and local government, and the fire and emergency medical services profession. To learn more about the CPC, visit www.cpse.org/credentialing.