Wade White

Assistant Chief Wade White (Ret.) brings 37 years of frontline and command‑level experience to the firefighter PPE industry.

Assistant Chief Wade White is a nationally respected authority in firefighter personal protective equipment, operational readiness, and large‑scale logistics. Over his 37‑year career with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, he served as the Assistant Bureau Commander for Operations Central Bureau, leading major emergencies across 225 square miles that include downtown Los Angeles, the Port of Los Angeles, and LAX. His frontline command experience gives him a deep understanding of how PPE must perform in high‑heat, high‑risk, and high‑complexity environments.
As the 11‑year Commander of LAFD’s Supply and Maintenance Division, Wade oversaw one of the largest PPE and apparatus programs in the nation. He directed engineering, procurement, and lifecycle management for more than 1,400 apparatus and managed the PPE program for 3,350 firefighters. He was responsible for more than $40 million in annual budgets, giving him insight into product performance, durability, and total cost of ownership—critical factors for agencies making PPE purchasing decisions.
Wade also served as the Task Force Leader for FEMA/California Task Force 1(CA-TF 1), an elite 80‑member Urban Search and Rescue team. His deployments to the 9/11 World Trade Center Attack, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and other major disasters provide firsthand experience with how PPE must withstand extreme conditions, extended operations, and rapidly evolving hazards.
Since 2012, he has been an Adjunct Instructor and Exercise Controller for Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), shaping national training programs that influence PPE selection, risk reduction, and firefighter survivability.
Today, Wade works with Great West Fire & Safety as a trusted advisor to the firefighter PPE industry. His operational credibility, technical expertise, and procurement background help manufacturers and agencies make informed, safety‑driven decisions that improve protection, reduce risk, and enhance long‑term performance. His ongoing mission is to advance the firefighter health and safety initiatives he championed throughout his LAFD career.