Tom Berger, Director
As director of the Allen County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Tom Berger oversees the county’s preparedness and response to both man-made and natural disasters, oversees disaster recovery and mitigation efforts, serves as the Allen County Regional Bomb Squad Administrator and coordinates the county HAZMAT Team. Mr. Berger has served as the director of the Allen County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management since February 2015.
Prior to becoming director, Mr. Berger served as the Director of Emergency Response for the Allen County Combined Health District where he was responsible for emergency preparedness training, exercises, planning, volunteer management, and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant.
Mr. Berger served in the United States Army as an Infantryman from October 1994 until January of 1997. Mr. Berger served one deployment to Port Au Prince, Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy in 1995. Mr. Berger was honorably discharged in January of 1997.
Mr. Berger is a graduate of the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Management and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
Mr. Berger resides with his wife in Shawnee Township.
Jared Gesler, Deputy Director/911 Coordinator
Jared Gesler serves as the Deputy Director of Allen County office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Jared assists with the development and implementation of emergency operations planning, training and outreach efforts of ACHSEM for natural, technological, CBRNE, terrorism and human initiated hazards or events.
In August 2010, Jared began his professional career as a Combat Engineer (12b) and a Horizontal Construction Engineer (12n) with the Army National Guard. While with the Army National Guard, he deployed to Afghanistan (Qalat, Zabul Province) where he worked as a Buffalo operator, completed 60 dismount patrols, 153 counter IED operations, and provided base defense. He was honorably discharged in August 2018.
Following his return from Afghanistan, Jared enrolled in the Police Academy with Rhodes State College and became OPOTA certified. Jared worked with the Allen County Sheriffs’ Office as a Deputy Sheriff from January 2015 – February 2022. During that time, he worked uniformed patrol and was honored to be part of the S.W.A.T team.
Jared resides in Allen County with his wife and 2 children.
Travis Fillhart, Deputy Director-Volunteer
Travis Fillhart serves as the Assistant Director of Allen County office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management . Travis assist with the development and implementation of emergency operations planning, training and outreach efforts of ACHSEM for natural, technological, CBRNE, terrorism and human initiated hazards or events. Serving as the 911 coordinator ensuring all laws, state and federal are upheld.
Travis began his professional career as an advanced EMT-level II firefighter at Bath Township Fire Department in 2010. He then entered the security/manufacturing arena at Ford Motor Company in 2013, where he participated in the RIT team, special ops and led the security team through many successful audit and increased security awareness.
He is a graduate of Bath High School, Hocking College and Rhodes State College. He holds an A.A.S. degree in EMS and has a bachelor’s degree in public service administration through Mt. Vernon Nazarene University. Travis is a Hazmat/WMD Technician and is an American Heart Assn., CPR instructor.
Steve Harvey, Deputy Director – Volunteer
Stephen C. Harvey comes to emergency management after a 20-year career in telecommunication and information technology with Verizon and St. Rita’s Medical Center. A CBRNE-rated hazardous materials technician, Steve serves as administrator for the Type I Allen County Regional Hazmat Team. Steve is the Communications Officer for the County, responsible for inter-operable communications.
A volunteer firefighter with the American Township Fire Department, Steve can be found every August as a member of the electrician staff at the Allen County Fair.
Mr. Harvey resides with his wife in American Township.
