Upfront, Jones is the best superintendent in the history of the CPD; I have personally worked with and known each one of them. Jones is a leader with great compassion for the CDP and the workers. Within the scope of his authority, from the cleaning engineers to the directors and trainers (including the COBRA live-agent training facility), he talks with and discusses the operations of the CDP.
Jones has led a wave of knowledge, opening new training in biological and radiological experiences. He has moved the Noble training facility into a nationally recognized medical training entity. He has expanded the curriculum, adding more operational and management tasks to incorporate training for local leaders in critical incident management beyond sitting behind a desk. Responders have repeatedly said this new training has been a tremendous preparation for major incidents like the Haiti earthquake.
In a time of fixed budgets, with no increase in funding, Jones has realigned training emphasis and re-centered training into the CDP. He was forced to do this to meet the challenges of the high cost of flight transportation by adjusting fiscal emphasis. Simply, Jones was a man at the right place at the right time.
The CDP now has more than 400 employees. We cannot repay Jones for his great leadership and management. We can only thank him for providing significant financial impact into our community. With his departure, we must pray for a replacement even half as competent. God bless you, Dr. Jones.
Col. Bob Baker, U.S. Army Retired
Jacksonville
