Lieutenant Jennifer Thackston is a Paramedic-Firefighter and the Community Risk Reduction Officer for Clemson University Fire & EMS, where she also serves as Accreditation Manager. With over a decade in fire and emergency services, she specializes in data-informed risk reduction, strategic planning, and collaborative program development.
Jennifer plays a lead role in agency accreditation, performance evaluation, and long-range planning by advancing initiatives that align resources with risk and improve service outcomes. She has also championed the integration of tools such as AI-assisted documentation, GIS-based hazard analysis, and technology-supported decision-making processes.
Originally from Conway, South Carolina, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management from Clemson University. Her graduate research focused on Mass Gathering Event Medicine and large-venue incident coordination.
Jennifer serves on the South Carolina Firefighters Association Community Engagement Committee and previously contributed to statewide EMS quality improvement efforts on the SC EMS Data Oversight Committee. She is passionate about building resilient, forward-thinking fire service organizations through innovation, partnerships, and purposeful strategy.
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