S2 - Episode #6: Todd Harmeson, PIO, Chesterfield Police & East Madison Fire Territory (IN)

Todd Harmeson has been with the Chesterfield Police Department serving as the Public Information Officer since 2000.  During this time, Todd has also served as the public information officer for the Madison County Emergency Management Agency for nearly 20 years before leaving and joining the East Madison Fire Territory as their lead Public Information Officer.  Todd served as the Lead Public Information Officer during the Memorial Day 2019 tornado strike in Pendleton, IN.  In addition, Todd has served as the PIO for numerous local, state, and presidential disaster declarations.  Todd completed FEMA’s Advanced Public Information Officer training certification and is excited about pursuing the Master certification in 2023.  In 2015 Todd was awarded the Major Gary Rudig award at Chesterfield Police Department for his dedication to the department and his community.  In 2021, Todd received the Officer of the Year award, which is the highest award the department gives each year.
 
In 1993, Todd graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University and immediately began working in his first full-time Emergency Management position.  In 1995 Todd was married to his wife Shawn Harmeson who was working as a 911 Communications Operator.  Todd and Shawn have three boys, two of which are currently following in his law enforcement footsteps.  The family spent the first few years of their marriage in Terre Haute, IN before moving back to Madison County, which is where Todd was born and raised.
 
Todd has served as a mentor for several other public safety professionals across central Indiana helping guide and coaches them as they are learning their newly found positions as Public Information Officers.

Todd's Twitter @ToddHarmeson
Todds Email - Tharmeson@chesterfield.in.gov