Michael Shove

Michael Shove

Fire Chief/Fire Marshall
Guilford Fire Department
Guilford, CT

Michael Shove is an accomplished fire service leader with more than 30 years of experience in fire and emergency services, emergency management, EMS, and homeland security. He currently serves as Fire Chief and Fire Marshal for the Guilford Fire Department, where he leads career and volunteer personnel while overseeing fire suppression, EMS, fire prevention, communications, emergency preparedness, and strategic planning. Prior to becoming Fire Chief, Michael served more than 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. His military career included leadership roles in maritime search and rescue, ports, waterways and coastal security, environmental protection, and emergency response. He deployed to Ground Zero following the September 11th terrorist attacks and responded to Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, earning numerous commendations for his service. Michael is actively involved in regional and statewide emergency preparedness initiatives. He serves as Vice Chair of the DEMHS Region 2 Regional Emergency Planning Team (REPT), Past Chair of ESF-10 (Hazardous Materials), and is an ALERRT Integrated Response Instructor and instructor for the Connecticut State Police Active Killer Training Program. He holds a bachelor's degree from Charter Oak State College, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and is a Connecticut Fire Officer IV, Fire Marshal, Emergency Medical Technician, and U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain.

Active Threat Incident Response: Integrating Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, and Dispatch (Friday, October 23, 2026 - 1:30-2:45pm)

Active threat and active shooter incidents require immediate coordination between law enforcement, fire, EMS, and public safety communications. While many agencies train independently, successful outcomes depend on integrated response models, shared terminology, and coordinated operational strategies. This presentation examines the Active Threat Incident Response framework currently being implemented across Connecticut, including the development of rescue task force operations, unified command structures, and coordinated dispatch protocols. Participants will review real-world operational considerations and lessons learned from statewide training initiatives that integrate law enforcement tactical response with fire and EMS medical operations during hostile events. This program is designed to provide responders and command staff with a practical understanding of how effective multi-agency coordination improves survivability, responder safety, and operational effectiveness during active threat incidents.