Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Jose Tirado, Executive Director of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), will be transitioning out of his position. With nearly three years of dedicated service at OEMC, first as First Deputy and later as Executive Director, Tirado brought a wealth of experience from his distinguished three-decade career in law enforcement, including his tenure as Chief of Counterterrorism with the Chicago Police Department. His unwavering commitment to public safety and law enforcement has been a hallmark of his career, both before and during his time at OEMC.  Throughout his career, Tirado has been a steadfast advocate for the safety and well-being of Chicago’s residents. As Executive Director of OEMC, he played a critical role in advancing the department’s mission to coordinate public safety efforts, ensuring the security of all who call Chicago home. At OEMC, he leveraged his extensive law enforcement experience to enhance the City’s 9-1-1 Operations Center, 3-1-1 City Services, Emergency Management, and Traffic Management Authority, bringing a strategic and professional perspective to these critical functions.  Additionally, he played a key role in managing the City’s response to Chicago’s New Arrival mission, ensuring effective public safety measures throughout his leadership.  To ensure a seamless transition, Francisco Velez, Deputy District Chief and Special Events Liaison, will serve as Interim Executive Director of OEMC. Velez brings extensive experience in emergency management and public safety coordination, having played a key role in planning and executing large-scale events and emergency response efforts.