Meet Our Consultants

Hope Lloyd

Hope Lloyd joined the City Of Memphis Division of Fire Services on October 9, 1989. She was promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 1996, promoted to Fire Battalion Chief in 2001 and Division Chief in 2015. Chief Lloyd was appointed Assistant Fire Chief in January of 2020. .  As an Administrative Division Chief, she collaborates with the Memphis Fire Department (MFD) Command Staff; as well as, other City Divisions regarding operational issues, staffing, disciplinary actions, recruitment and strategic planning. 

Chief Lloyd has headed several special projects including Fill the Boot (MDA), HERo Day, recruiting, the lateral hiring process and Fire Management Services Program of Study for high school students. 

The projects closest to her heart are HERo Day and the Fire Management Services Program of Study. HERo day is a partnership between the MFD and Girl Scouts Heart of the South. This partnership gives young women an opportunity to learn about fire and emergency service careers and to interact with firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers. The goal of the Fire Management Services program is to provide interested high school students the early training and insight necessary for a career in Fire Services. Upon completion of this program, participants will possess the necessary skills and certifications to make them marketable for entrance into the highly competitive field of Fire Services. 

Chief Lloyd has an associate’s degree in Fire Science, a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and she is a graduate of the City Of Memphis’ Emerging Leaders Program; as well as, the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. She enjoys being physically active and the outdoors. 

Cliff D. Wilkins

Cliff D. Wilkins brings over 25 years of extensive experience in fire and emergency medical services to First Response Solutions LLC. With a strong background in leadership, training, and operational management, Cliff has consistently demonstrated excellence in building effective teams, advancing training programs, and ensuring the highest standards of public safety. 

As a Battalion Chief with the Memphis Fire Department, Cliff oversees daily staffing, incident command, disciplinary actions, and training compliance for personnel. He has served as an integral leader, ensuring smooth operations during emergencies and providing strategic guidance in high-stress scenarios. 

Previously, Cliff served as the Training Manager for Tennessee Task Force One (TNTF1), a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team, where he ensured all team members met stringent training requirements to fulfill the task force’s critical mission. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in preparing teams for disaster response. 

Cliff also has experience as a Paramedic Instructor and Coordinator, playing a pivotal role in developing and launching the Memphis Fire Department Paramedic Program in 2006. His dedication to training has led to the advancement of countless EMS professionals. 

Cliff holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Bethel University, a Bachelor of Business Administration from LeMoyne-Owen College, and an Associate of Paramedic Science from Shelby State Community College. His certifications span a wide range of emergency response and safety disciplines, including FEMA Safety Officer, Structural Collapse Technician, Hazmat Technician, and Fire Officer I and II. 

As a consultant with First Response Solutions LLC, Cliff leverages his leadership skills and operational expertise to help fire departments across the nation enhance their training, recruitment, and disaster preparedness strategies. His commitment to excellence and service makes him a trusted advisor and a vital member of the First Response Solutions team. 

Robert D. Franks Jr

Robert D. Franks Jr. brings over 26 years of unparalleled experience in public safety and fire administration to First Response Solutions LLC. As a seasoned leader and innovator, he has successfully guided some of the most critical operations within the Memphis Fire Department, Tennessee’s largest ISO Class 1 agency. 

Currently serving as Deputy Chief of Emergency Operations, Robert manages a $114 million budget and oversees 1,650 personnel across 56 fire stations, ensuring the highest standards of emergency response, training, and operational efficiency. His tenure in logistics included the design and implementation of state-of-the-art apparatus and the construction of new fire stations, showcasing his ability to manage multimillion-dollar budgets and complex capital projects. 

Robert's expertise extends to safety administration, where he has spearheaded initiatives in mental health, wellness, and incident command training. As a Battalion Chief, he commanded emergency operations, implemented safety protocols, and fostered leadership development among personnel. 

A recognized thought leader, Robert serves as an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program. He is also a member of FEMA's Tennessee Task Force One, contributing as a Safety Officer, Taskforce Leader, and Plans Manager during disaster deployments. 

Robert holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Geography from the University of Memphis. A graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, he is certified in numerous specialized areas, including fire investigation, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response. 

As a consultant with First Response Solutions LLC, Robert leverages his deep operational knowledge and leadership acumen to help fire departments nationwide improve their recruitment, retention, and operational strategies. His commitment to excellence, paired with a passion for public service, makes him an invaluable asset to the First Response Solutions team. 

Ken Newton 

Ken Newton is a highly accomplished fire service professional with over two decades of expertise in public safety operations, organizational management, and policy development. As a consultant for First Response Solutions LLC, Ken leverages his extensive experience to provide strategic solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of fire and emergency service departments nationwide. 

Ken's career with the Memphis Fire Department is marked by progressive leadership roles, including Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Inspector, Fire Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, Training Battalion Chief, Training Division Chief, and Administrative Division Chief. These roles have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of fire service operations and the ability to lead teams through complex challenges. 

Ken's key areas of expertise include: 

1. Policy and Procedure Development: Creating and assessing operational policies, grading systems, and promotional assessment tools. 

2. RFP (Request for Proposal) Management: Leading the development, review, and execution of RFPs, including sole and single-source contracts. 

3. Budget Management: Administering a $3.1 million budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization. 

4. Discipline Oversight: Managing personnel discipline from minor infractions to post-arrest scenarios, fostering accountability and professionalism. 

5. Legal and Investigative Support: Assisting legal teams with investigations and lawsuits involving the fire department. 

6. Data Analysis and Accident Prevention: Collecting and managing accident data to identify trends and implement strategies to reduce incidents. 

7. Recruitment Initiatives: Driving successful recruitment efforts to attract and retain top talent. 

8. Innovation and Program Development: Researching and implementing new processes to improve the department's day-to-day operations and long-term outcomes. 

Ken is certified through the National Fire Academy, Alabama Fire Academy, and other prestigious institutions nationwide. His diverse certifications complement his hands-on expertise, making him a respected authority in fire service innovation, training, and operational improvement. 

As part of First Response Solutions LLC, Ken Newton is dedicated to helping fire, EMS, and public safety organizations optimize operations, enhance recruitment strategies, and implement forward-thinking policies. His passion for public service and a proven track record of success position him as a trusted advisor and key contributor to organizational growth and efficiency. 

David Henrikson

With 25 years of dedicated service in the fire industry, David Henrikson is an experienced and results-driven First Responder Consultant. Having spent the last 9 years as an officer in a major metropolitan fire department, David has developed extensive expertise in leadership, crisis management, and operations under high-pressure conditions.

David has also significantly impacted firefighter recruitment, successfully recruiting over 450 new personnel during his past 2 years as a full-time recruiter. His comprehensive understanding of the fire service and keen eye for identifying top talent have helped build strong and effective teams.

David’s commitment to excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including a Life Saving Medal and a Company of the Year award, underscoring his dedication to public service and professional success.

With a degree in Fire Science, David combines academic knowledge with real-world experience to offer tailored consulting services that enhance the performance, recruitment, and development of first responder teams. Whether optimizing recruitment strategies, improving training programs, or enhancing team dynamics, David Henrikson provides the expertise and insight to help fire service agencies and emergency responders achieve their goals.

Keith M. James

Keith M. James is the Division Chief of Logistical Services and Planning Manager for Tennessee Task Force One, with 24 years of fire service experience and 15 years in corporate leadership specializing in distribution, logistics, and project management. He holds a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Organizational Development from Bethel University.

Keith oversees budget management exceeding $12 million and leads initiatives including RFP management, apparatus and fleet maintenance, and PPE specification development. His expertise extends to managing complex projects, such as an $8 million SCBA replacement program, and collaborating with manufacturers to innovate and test new products.

Certified in multiple emergency response disciplines, including Hazmat Technician, Fire Officer, and Training Officer, Keith also brings law enforcement experience to his leadership roles. Recognized as a problem solver and process innovator, he is passionate about advancing emergency services by acquiring the best products and services for first responders.