Todd Harmeson, Biography

Welcome to “ThePioGuy”! I’m delighted to have you here on my website. Allow me to introduce myself and provide you with some insights into my background and experience.

​With over 30 years of dedicated service in public safety, I am an Advanced Public Information Officer (PIO) certified by FEMA. Currently, I hold the position of PIO for both the Chesterfield Police Department and the East Madison Fire Territory, situated in Madison County, IN, a mere 34 miles north of Indianapolis, IN.

My journey in the field of public safety and communications began in Vermillion County Emergency Response, located in Clinton, IN. This particular county was involved in the joint FEMA – US Army’s Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) and housed a significant portion of the country’s VX Agent stockpile. During my time there, I started my PIO career and gained invaluable experience in emergency response and communication.

Later, I returned to my hometown of Anderson, IN and assumed the role of PIO for the Madison County Emergency Management Agency. In pursuit of expanding my skill set and knowledge, I underwent training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, becoming a reserve police officer in 1997. This diverse background has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of emergency management, law enforcement, and public information.

In 2000, I joined the Chesterfield Police Department as a reserve patrolman, where I had the opportunity to diversify my expertise further. Alongside my patrol duties, I became certified as a bicycle patrol officer, field training officer, instructor, and ultimately the public information officer for the department. Additionally, I became involved with the Chesterfield-Union Township Fire Department, now known as the East Madison Fire Territory, assuming the PIO role there as well.

Throughout my career as a PIO, I have witnessed remarkable technological advancements. From the days of facsimile machines to the introduction of email and the advent of social media, the way information is shared and disseminated has transformed significantly. The public now possesses the power of live video, allowing them to capture and share crucial moments in real-time.

As a dedicated Public Information Officer, my primary focus is ensuring that the public remains well-informed about critical issues, safety awareness, education, and public safety concerns. I firmly believe that by empowering individuals with accurate and timely information, they can make informed decisions regarding their safety and the well-being of their loved ones.

Moreover, my passion for the field extends beyond my own role. I take great pleasure in mentoring and guiding new PIOs, sharing my knowledge and experiences to help shape the next generation of communicators. It is this dedication to teaching and mentoring that has inspired me to establish “ThePioGuy,” a platform where I can continue to support and provide resources for current and aspiring PIOs.

Thank you for visiting my website, and I hope you find the information and resources here beneficial. Feel free to explore and reach out if you have any questions or require assistance. Together, let’s continue to make a positive impact in public safety communication.

“ThePioGuy”