Terri Reid currently serves as an EMS Captain/Shift Commander with the Baltimore County Fire

Department, where I oversee EMS Districts, training, and manage operations. With over 28 years

of career and volunteer experience in fire and emergency services, I’ve seen the urgent need to

connect research with street-level realities. This fellowship gives me the opportunity to help

close that gap and bring forward solutions that matter to the people doing the work.

The mission of bridging science and the fire service resonates with me because I’ve witnessed

firsthand how critical decisions are often made without access to the latest data. Whether it’s

behavioral wellness, exposure risks, or operational safety, the lack of timely, evidence-based

information can have real consequences. I’ve also seen how research-informed practices—when

applied effectively—can directly improve training, health outcomes, and on-the-ground

performance.

I’m excited to be part of the NFFF–Science to the Station Fellowship because I believe in the

power of science to drive meaningful, lasting change in our profession. Through this experience,

I hope to gain the tools and insight to serve as a stronger advocate for evidence-based strategies

within my department and across the fire service. I’m especially interested in advancing efforts

around occupational cancer prevention, firefighter behavioral health, and decision-making

supported by real data.

I look forward to collaborating with others who are equally committed to translating research

into practice and advancing the health and safety of our fire service community.