CHARLES (Charlie) RAIKEN, FFMIA Fellow
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF / FIRE MARSHAL (Retired)
BROWARD SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE RESCUE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Career and Promotional Achievements:
Deputy Fire Chief Charles Raiken, a retired 36 year veteran of the Florida fire service, began his fire service experience in May 1976, as a volunteer firefighter with the Davie Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Raiken began his professional fire rescue career in 1979 as a Firefighter for Broward County Fire Rescue. Chief Raiken was promoted to Fire Captain in 1982 and was assigned to the Fire Marshal’s Bureau where he was promoted through the ranks of Battalion Chief and Division Chief/Fire Marshal. In 2003, fire rescue services merged with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Raiken continued to serve as Fire Marshal for the BSO Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, Fire Marshal’s Bureau, subsequently promoted to Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, and later, Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal. In February 2011, Chief Raiken was promoted to the position of Deputy Fire Chief of Administration where he served as an executive command officer for the Office of the Fire Chief until his retirement in June 2012.
Educational Background:
Deputy Chief Raiken holds an Associate of Science Degree in Fire Science Technology, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Program Planning, Recreation and Leisure Studies. His professional certifications include: Florida State Firefighter II, Florida State Emergency Medical Technician, Florida State Fire Safety Inspector I, Florida State Fire Investigator I, Florida State Fire Service Instructor I, and Broward County Fire Code Official, Fire Plans Examiner and Fire Inspector Certifications. Chief Raiken continued his professional development and training over his career through his completion of leadership, management, supervisory, and technical related continuing education programs.
Adjunct Faculty Experience:
Deputy Chief Raiken advocated and promoted fire prevention through his active involvement in educating others in fire prevention and life safety management as he served as an Adjunct Faculty Member for Broward Community College Fire Science Technology Program, from 1985-2004, responsible for developing curriculum and delivering instruction in multiple fire science courses, including codes and standards, fire protection systems, fire inspection and code enforcement practices, building construction and plan review, and fire/arson investigation. Deputy Chief Raiken also served many years during that same time period as an Adjunct Faculty Member for the Broward Fire Academy.
Honors and Awards:
In 1989 and again in 1996, Chief Raiken was honored with the Fire Inspectors Association of Broward County “Fire Safety Inspector of the Year” award. In 1997, Chief Raiken was recognized by the Governor of Florida in honor of his receiving the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association “Florida Fire Marshal of the Year” award. In December 2005, Chief Raiken was honored with the Fire Chiefs Association of Broward County “Executive Leadership Award”. In 2008, Chief Raiken was honored with the Florida Fire Chiefs Association “Fire Marshal of the Year” award and the Fire Chiefs Association of Broward County “Executive Leadership Award”. In 2011, IAFF Local 4321 Broward County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics honored Chief Raiken with the recognition of “President Emeritus” and lifetime membership to IAFF Local 4321, for his years of dedicated services to its members. In June 2012, Chief Raiken was honored by the Fire Inspectors Association of Broward County, receiving its “Fire Prevention Life Time Achievement Award, for his dedicated and outstanding leadership and service; honored with a Resolution by the Broward County School Board for his years of dedicated service to the Broward School District Fire Safety Initiatives, including the development and successful implementation of the Joint Fire Safety School Inspection Program, which has been a model program used throughout the State of Florida; and honored by the Liberal Black Firefighters Association of Broward County in recognition of his years of dedication and advocacy for minority recruitment in the fire service. In November 2012, the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association recognized Chief Raiken for his significant accomplishments in the field of fire prevention, and honored him with a lifetime membership and its distinguished FFMIA Fellow designation.
Professional Memberships and Organizational Leadership Experience:
Chief Raiken is a long standing member and Fellow of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA), serving many years on its Executive Board as Vice President, President, Immediate Past President, and presently serving as Secretary/Treasurer. Chief Raiken is also a member of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, National Fire Protection Association, International Fire Marshals Association, lifetime member of the Fire Inspector's Association of Broward County, and lifetime member and President Emeritus of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 4321 Broward County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics.
Professional Committee Appointments:
In July 2000, the State Fire Marshal appointed Chief Raiken to the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council, representing the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, where he served his four year term as an active member and Chair. In December 2006, the State of Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal appointed Chief Raiken to serve a four year term on the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council, representing the Florida Fire Chiefs Association. In December 2010, the State of Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal re-appointed Chief Raiken to serve another four year term on the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council, presently representing the Florida Fire Chiefs Association.