Duane Van Beek

Duane is a subject matter expert at ALPS. Recognized by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) as an expert in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101: Life Safety Code, and NFPA 101A: Guide on Alternative Approaches to Life Safety, he has written and presented several CMS classes, including Basic Life Safety, Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) Board and Care, FSES Health Care, and NFPA 99.

Duane is well-versed in the inspection of health care facilities and assisted living facilities, as a certified International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector. He began his fire service career, training, and expertise in the U.S. Air Force; served 18 years as the fire chief for the City of Othello, Washington, including a position as the City Building Official and Planning Director of the City Planning Department; and then served as a Deputy State Fire Marshal for southeastern Washington State counties.

Duane has an AS in Police Science and completed course work at the Northwestern University Traffic Institute for on-scene collision investigation, collision reconstruction, and police management.

Duane’s passion for fire safety in health care stemmed from an encounter he had when responding to a fire in a nursing home, where, upon arrival, he was met with flames extending beyond the roof and 90-plus bed patients screaming for help. The sight, sound, and aftermath has never left him, so he dedicates himself to fire prevention and safety.

Duane currently serves as a national Incident Command System (ICS) Liaison Officer for a Type 1 Incident Management Team (IMT).