Deverick Clayton

Deverick Clayton is a seasoned fire and EMS administrator with 25 years of

leadership in fire training, emergency medical services (EMS), and public safety.

As EMS Battalion Chief for the Shelby County Fire Department, he oversees daily

EMS operations with a team of 270 personnel and manages the EMS segment of a

$36 million annual budget. Deverick is recognized for introducing innovative

service models, including advanced EMS system enhancements, a multi-purpose

drone strike team for fire response, and developing wellness partnerships aimed at

improving firefighter health.

Before stepping into his current leadership role, Deverick Clayton began his career

as a paramedic with the Memphis Fire Department, where he served as the

youngest African-American paramedic on record at the time. After lateraling to the

Shelby County Fire Department, he made history again as its first African-

American licensed paramedic. His impact extended into the Training Division,

where he played a key role in shaping the department—contributing to the

development of nearly half its current personnel. While serving the City of

Memphis, Deverick also dedicated time as a reserve officer with the Shelby

County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to his operational roles, Deverick has a host of fire certifications and is

an NREMT-P (IC, AAS), CAPCE coordinator, and a certified AHA instructor

(BLS, ACLS, PALS, PEARS). He serves as a fire and EMS consultant and is an

assessor for several promotional companies throughout the United States,

including I/O Solutions, Morris & McDaniel and PAS Consulting Group.