[Senate Hearing 119-421]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 119-421
NOMINATION TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR
CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION,
AND THE PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
JULY 16, 2025
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
63-852 PDF WASHINGTON : 2026
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,
ROGER WICKER, Mississippi Ranking
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
JERRY MORAN, Kansas BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee GARY PETERS, Michigan
TODD YOUNG, Indiana TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
TED BUDD, North Carolina TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri JACKY ROSEN, Nevada
JOHN CURTIS, Utah BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
BERNIE MORENO, Ohio JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado
TIM SHEEHY, Montana JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia ANDY KIM, New Jersey
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware
Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director
Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Hearing held on July 16, 2025.................................... 1
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 1
Statement from Zero Emission Transportation Association...... 243
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Timothy A. Blubaugh, Truck and Engine
Manufacturers Association.................................. 244
Letter dated April 14, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Scott F. Belcher, Executive Director, ACES
Mobility Coalition......................................... 245
Prepared statement from Anne Reinke, President and CEO,
Intermodal Association of North America.................... 245
Letter dated June 2, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Chris Spear, President and CEO, American
Trucking Associations...................................... 246
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, U.S.
Tire Manufacturers Association............................. 247
Letter dated July 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Jonathan Adkins, Chief Executive Officer,
Governors Highway Safety Association....................... 247
Letter dated June 11, 2025 to Hon. John Thune, Hon. Charles
E. Schumer, Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Ken
A. Walker, IACP President.................................. 248
Letter dated June 17, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Gary J. Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, Consumer
Technology Association..................................... 248
Letter dated July 11, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from John O'Leary, President and CEO, Daimler
Truck North America........................................ 249
Letter dated July 14, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from John Bozzella President and CEO, Alliance for
Automotive Innovation...................................... 250
Letter dated June 11, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Laura Chace, President and CEO, Intelligent
Transportation Society of America.......................... 250
Letter dated July 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Chris Spear, President and CEO, American
Trucking Associations...................................... 251
Letter dated July 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Andrew Poliakoff, Executive Director,
Commercial Vehicle Training Association.................... 252
Letter dated July 10, 2025 Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Chris Burroughs, President and CEO,
Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)............ 252
Letter to Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell
from American Gas Association, American Fuel &
Petrochemical Manufacturers, American Petroleum Institute,
American Public Gas Association, GPA Midstream Association,
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, Liquid
Energy Pipeline Association................................ 253
Letter dated July 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Fred Ferguson, President and CEO, American
Bus Association............................................ 254
Letter dated July 14, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Jennifer Hedrick, President and CEO, Women In
Trucking Association....................................... 255
Letter dated July 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Kylla Lanier, Deputy Director/Senior Director
of External Affairs, Truckers Against Trafficking.......... 256
Letter dated June 13, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Avery Ash, Executive Director, Coalition for
Reimagined Mobility (ReMo), Senior Vice President of
Government Affairs and Special Initiatives, SAFE and Ashley
Simmons, Deputy Director, Coalition for Reimagined Mobility
(ReMo)..................................................... 257
Letter dated July 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Leslie Kimball, Executive Director,
Responsibility.org......................................... 258
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Senator Ted Cruz from David
Chislea, NAPSR National Chair.............................. 258
Letter dated July 14, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Todd Spencer, President and CEO, Owner-
Operator Independent Drivers Association, Inc.............. 259
Letter dated July 11, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Ryan Streblow, President and CEO, National
Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC)................................. 260
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Sheriff Chris West, Canadian County, OK,
President, National Sheriffs' Association.................. 261
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Mike Stanton, President and CEO, National
Automobile Dealers Association............................. 261
Letter dated May 30, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Jim Ward, President, Truckload Carriers
Association................................................ 262
Letter dated June 29, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Megan Noland, Executive Director, Major
County Sheriffs of America................................. 262
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Stacey D. Stewart, CEO, Mothers Against Drunk
Driving (MADD)............................................. 263
Letter dated July 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Jerry Golden, Chief Policy Officer, Lyft..... 264
Letter dated July 1, 2025 to Hon. Tammy Baldwin from Mark
Rourke, President and CEO, Schneider National, Inc......... 265
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Nile Elam, Vice President of Government
Affairs, National Asphalt Pavement Association............. 265
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Mark Doughty, President and CEO, PrePass
Safety Alliance............................................ 266
Letter dated July 11, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Sean T. Waters, Vice President, Product
Intergrity, Daimler Truck North America.................... 267
Letter dated July 16, 2025 to Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking
Member Maria Cantwell from Sarah K. Magruder Lyle,
Executive Director, Damage Prevention Action Center........ 267
Letter dated July 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Alix Miller, Ph.D., President and CEO,
Florida Trucking Association............................... 268
Letter dated July 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Lane Kidd, Managing Director, Alliance for
Driver Safety & Security................................... 269
Letter dated January 28, 2025 to Secretary Sean Duffy from
Chris Spear, President and CEO, American Trucking
Associations; Jim Ward, President and CEO, Truckload
Carriers Association; and Ryan Streblow, President and CEO,
National Tank Truck Carriers............................... 269
Letter dated February 21, 2025 to Hon. Donald J. Trump from
Mark Doughty, President and CEO, PrePass Safety Alliance... 270
Letter dated July 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Collin B. Mooney, MPA, CAE, Executive
Director, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance............... 271
Letter dated July 11, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Brian Mofford, SVP, Drivewyze Infrastructure
Solutions, Drivewyze by Fleetworthy........................ 271
Letter dated July 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruza and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Jeff Farrah, Chief Executive Officer,
Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association.................... 272
Letter dated July 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruza and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Jeff Farrah, Chief Executive Officer,
Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association.................... 273
Prepared statement from AVIA entitled ``AVIA Congratulates
Derek Barrs on Nomination to Lead FMCSA''.................. 274
Letter dated July 15, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Tim Wagner, Executive Director, American
Pipeline Contractors Association........................... 275
Letter dated March 4, 2025 to Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking
Member Maria Cantwell from Jeffrey D. Shoaf, Chief
Executive Officer, Associated General Contractors of
America.................................................... 276
Letter dated May 9, 2025 to Hon. Tim Sheehy from Christopher
Dorrington, Director, Montana Department of Transportation. 276
Letter dated July 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Zach Cahalan, Executive Director, Truck
Safety Coalition (TSC)..................................... 278
Letter dated July 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Jim Ward, President, Truckload Carriers
Association................................................ 294
Letter dated July 16, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Chris Jahn, President and CEO, American
Chemistry Council.......................................... 295
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 2
Statement of Senator Blackburn................................... 220
Statement of Senator Klobuchar................................... 221
Statement of Senator Moreno...................................... 223
Statement of Senator Lujan....................................... 225
Statement of Senator Peters...................................... 227
Statement of Senator Markey...................................... 229
Statement of Senator Fetterman................................... 231
Statement of Senator Young....................................... 232
Statement of Senator Rosen....................................... 234
Statement of Senator Hickenlooper................................ 238
Witnesses
Hon. Rick Scott, U.S. Senator from Florida....................... 3
Hon. Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senator from Rhode Island.......... 4
Derek Barrs, Nominee to be Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration.......................................... 5
Prepared statement........................................... 7
Biographical information..................................... 8
Jonathan Morrison, Nominee to be Administrator, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration.................................. 22
Prepared statement........................................... 24
Biographical information..................................... 25
Paul Roberti, Nominee to be Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration................................ 35
Prepared statement........................................... 37
Biographical information..................................... 37
Appendix
Response to written questions submitted to Derek Barrs by:
Hon. Jerry Moran............................................. 297
Hon. Ted Budd................................................ 297
Hon. Tim Sheehy.............................................. 298
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 298
Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 301
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 301
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 302
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 302
Response to written questions submitted to Jonathan Morrison by:
Hon. John Thune.............................................. 303
Hon. Jerry Moran............................................. 303
Hon. Marsha Blackburn........................................ 304
Hon. Ted Budd................................................ 304
Hon. Eric Schmitt............................................ 305
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 306
Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 308
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 310
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 311
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 313
Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester.................................... 314
Response to written questions submitted to Paul Roberti by:
Hon. Jerry Moran............................................. 315
Hon. Ted Budd................................................ 315
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 316
Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 317
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 318
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 319
Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester.................................... 319
NOMINATION TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR
CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION,
AND THE PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
----------
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:06 a.m., in
room SR-253, Committee Hearing Room, Russell Office Building,
Hon. Ted Cruz, Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Cruz [presiding], Sullivan, Blackburn,
Young, Moreno, Sheehy, Scott (guest), Cantwell, Klobuchar,
Markey, Peters, Rosen, Lujan, Hickenlooper, Fetterman, and
Whitehouse (guest).
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
The Chairman. Good morning. The Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.
Today, we are considering the President's nominees to lead
three safety agencies within the Department of Transportation.
With us today are: Mr. Derek Barrs, nominee for
Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration; Mr. Jonathan Morrison, nominee for
Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration; and Mr. Paul Roberti, nominee for the
Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration.
Americans want a transportation system that is fast,
convenient, and reliable, but above all, safe. President Trump
and Secretary Duffy have made safety the top priority of the
Department of Transportation, and the three nominees before us
intend to make it theirs as well.
As a young deputy sheriff in Florida, Mr. Barrs responded
to a nighttime collision between a logging truck and a car full
of young adults. Ever since, he has spent his career working to
improve large truck and motor carrier safety. Mr. Barrs served
for nearly three decades in law enforcement, rising from deputy
sheriff to Head of Florida's Department of Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles. He is deeply familiar with the FMCSA, having
enforced Federal motor vehicle regulations and managed FMCSA
grants in the state. As administrator of FMCSA, he hopes to
modernize the regulations governing the Nation's trucking and
busing industries.
Mr. Morrison is equally dedicated to the mission of NHTSA,
ensuring that cars on our road are safe and reliable. This will
not be his first time at the agency. Mr. Morrison served as
NHTSA's Chief Counsel during the first Trump administration,
and having worked at a leading tech company over the last four
years, he recognizes that NHTSA safety standards must keep up
with automotive innovation.
Our third nominee, Mr. Roberti, is ready to manage PHMSA,
which oversees transport of hazardous materials. This includes
the movement of oil, natural gas, and other critical American
energy products, over three million miles of pipeline in this
country. That is in addition to hazardous materials that we
move by truck, rail, water, or air. I am hopeful that Ranking
Member Cantwell and I can broker an agreement on an overdue
PHMSA reauthorization that can be implemented by the new PHMSA
administrator.
Like Mr. Morrison, Mr. Roberti served during the first
Trump administration as Chief Counsel at the agency to which he
has been nominated. In that role, he cleared backlogs of
hundreds of enforcement matters at PHMSA, and in various roles
in Rhode Island State Government, Mr. Roberti modernized the
state's pipelines, increased their safety, and shared what he
learned with other states. I am excited to hear what he can
bring to the Federal agency this time around.
I look forward to hearing from all our nominees.
And now turn to Ranking Member Cantwell.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As you stated,
we are here to consider these three nominees: Mr. Barrs to be
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Mr. Roberti to
lead the Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration, Mr.
Morrison to lead the National Highway Safety Administration.
Each of these agencies has an important responsibility to
protect the health and safety of the traveling public, the
movement of goods, and our environment.
Unfortunately, since January, we have seen a significant
drop in oversight and enforcement actions across these
agencies, potentially letting bad actors get away with
violating safety and consumer protection laws. So I hope our
nominees will share today their thoughts about those numbers
and what specific plans we need to have in place.
First, Mr. Barrs, the Federal Motor Carrier Administration
is responsible for enforcing truck safety laws and vetting more
carriers operating on our roads and highways. Our trucking
industry is essential to the movement of goods across the
country with 70 percent of the total value of commodities
shipped in the United States traveling by truck, so a big
responsibility. Over 5,000 people are tragically killed in
large truck crashes each year.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has closed
78 percent fewer cases this year compared to last year. So we
will want to ask about that. Since FMCSA can shut down bad
trucking companies, this lack of action mean--could mean, could
mean unsafe trucking companies may be continuing to operate, or
fraudulent actors, or people scamming consumers or businesses.
So I hope you agree that a plan to address this decline is a
serious issue.
Mr. Roberti, the Hazardous Material Safety Administration
is the Federal watchdog responsible for ensuring that explosive
and toxic materials are transported safely across the country,
whether by pipeline, by truck, or train. Accidents involving
hazardous materials have severe consequences. Over the last 20
years, pipeline incidents have resulted in 257 deaths and more
than 1,000 injuries and over $11 billion in damages.
Earlier this month, two trains derailed in Northern
Mississippi during the same weekend, both resulting in
hazardous material spills. One derailment caused a large fire
that forced the evacuation of more than 100 residents and the
other required 50 fire trucks from 12 different departments to
respond.
PHMSA has opened the fewest pipeline enforcement cases
during the first 6 months of this administration than any other
administration over the past two decades. So we want to
understand what is going on here. We want to make sure that we
have strong pipeline safety laws on the books and they are
being enforced.
I wrote to the Deputy Administrator in May sounding an
alarm about this trend and I hope to get further information
about this.
Finally, Mr. Morrison, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, NHTSA, is responsible for enforcing Federal
motor carrier safety standards to ensure Americans in the cars
that they buy and drive are safe. Its investigations are
responsible for initiating nearly 2,000 vehicle recalls
affecting over 300 million people in the last 20 years.
So we want you to continue to play an aggressive oversight
role. This includes recalling things such as the Takata airbag
malfunctions which killed 28 people when they exploded;
however, NHTSA has opened 25 percent fewer investigations into
vehicle safety this year. Do not know why, but let us find out.
And this is especially concerning since Consumer Report
found investigations have already hit an all-time low. So we
need to understand what this trend is about and reverse it to
make sure we are focusing on safety.
So Mr. Chairman, look forward to asking these nominees, the
need to make sure we have hardworking inspectors,
investigators, and agencies that are doing their job, not
taking shortcuts on safety.
And I certainly welcome our former colleague, Senator
Scott, for being here. We do miss him on the Committee. But
maybe someday, maybe someday he will be back.
The Chairman. Well, thank you. And now I would like to
recognize our colleague and friend from the great State of
Florida, Senator Rick Scott.
STATEMENT OF HON. RICK SCOTT,
U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA
Senator Scott. Thank you. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member
Cantwell, Members of the Committee, I am honored today to
introduce Chief Derek Barrs, President Trump's nominee for
Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration. He is a fourth-generation Floridian, an amazing
father to two kids, Brett and Bentley, and he is also a
dedicated public servant.
He joined the Madison County Sheriff's Office in 1991 and
spent the next 30 years serving his community, 20 of which were
focused on commercial motor vehicle safety, before retiring as
Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol. Now, President Trump has
wisely called on him to serve his fellow citizens once again.
I have known the Chief for several years, having met him
when I was Governor of Florida. One particular memory I have is
of touring Quincy, Florida, a small town just north of
Tallahassee, together in 2018 when we visited homes and
Floridians impacted by Hurricane Michael. Chief Barrs showed
then and now his dedication to improving the lives and safety
of those around him. He is a proven leader, problem solver who
works to understand both people and the issues they face.
In 2019, the Chief partnered with the Florida Trucking
Association, establishing the Troopers and Truck Drivers
Initiative. As part of the Initiative, a trooper would spend a
workday in a truck with an experienced commercial motor vehicle
driver, while a new truck driver would spend a day on patrol
with an experienced trooper. This exchange facilitated a deeper
understanding of both the roles and responsibilities,
ultimately making the highway safer for truckers, citizens, and
law enforcement personnel alike.
He also worked directly with FMCSA throughout his career
and with other transportation partners such as the Florida
Trucking Association and the Florida State Legislature to help
develop statutory language to successfully enact laws aimed at
aligning Florida with Federal safety standards.
Chief Barrs has a passion--is passionate about safety on
our Nation's highway systems, and proud to count him as a
friend. I look forward to seeing what he will do with Secretary
Duffy and President Trump to improve American roadways and make
traveling across them safer for everyone.
Derek, you have my support. I urge my colleagues to advance
your nomination quickly. You will not be disappointed in your
vote.
And thank you, Chairman and Ranking Member.
The Chairman. Thank you. I would now like to recognize our
colleague from the great State of Rhode Island, Senator
Whitehouse, to introduce Mr. Roberti.
STATEMENT OF HON. SHELDON WHITEHOUSE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM RHODE ISLAND
Senator Whitehouse. Thank you, Chairman Cruz and Ranking
Member Cantwell. I am here today to introduce Paul Roberti of
North Kingstown, Rhode Island, for his hearing on his fitness
to serve as the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous
Material Safety Administration at the Department of
Transportation.
I had the good fortune of working with Paul in the Rhode
Island Attorney General's Office where he was an Assistant
Attorney General, and Chief of the Regulatory Division,
supervising matters that I once had in earlier years. He served
in that role under both Democratic and Republican Attorneys
General with distinction, dedication and a strong work ethic.
Paul now manages risk consulting at Ernst & Young LLP, where he
provides consulting services to public utilities, focusing on
compliance with legislative and regulatory mandates.
Before joining Ernst & Young, Paul was Chief Economic and
Policy Adviser at the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities
and Carriers, where he advised on energy policies and grid
modernization. This would be a second stint at PHMSA for Mr.
Roberti as he served as Chief Counsel there during the first
Trump administration. I hope Paul will honor PHMSA's
fulfillment of its obligations to protect public safety and the
environment.
There is work to be done. In January, DOT failed to
finalize a rule to update safety requirements for repairing
leaks in natural gas pipelines. A rule developed in consensus
with industry directed by bipartisan legislation signed by
President Trump himself in his first term. Leaks can be deadly,
as the Bellingham Disaster showed, not to mention the economic
cost of hundreds of thousands of tons more methane spewed from
pipelines and regulated facilities across the country.
The Trump administration also withdrew a draft rule on
CO2 pipeline safety. Another very bipartisan measure
that came through the Senate which will delay the buildout of
nationwide carbon capture infrastructure contrary to solid
bipartisan support in this body. I sincerely hope that Paul,
should he be confirmed, will ensure that PHMSA honors its
mandate to protect safety and the environment and finalize much
needed updates to national gas leak repair and CO2
pipeline safety standards.
I wish him all the best. And appreciate the opportunity to
introduce him today.
The Chairman. Thank you. We appreciate you coming and
joining our Committee this morning.
And I now recognize Mr. Barrs for his opening statement.
STATEMENT OF DEREK BARRS,
NOMINEE TO BE ADMINISTRATOR,
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Barrs. Thank you. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member
Cantwell, and Members of the Committee, thank you for the
opportunity to appear before you today as the President's
nominee for Administrator of Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, I am honored by the trust placed in me by
President Trump and Secretary Duffy to serve in this critical
safety role.
I would like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues
for their unwavering support, and especially grateful for my
parents for their long-life encouragement. I wish my mother
could be here today, but I know she is watching proudly in
heaven.
The trucking industry touches all of our lives. Commercial
drivers transport over 70 percent of our Nation's freight and
share the road with us every day. These professionals are the
backbone of our economy. They work long hours, often away from
their families, to ensure that we have the goods we rely on.
I deeply respect the dedication and understand the delicate
balance between enhancing safety and enabling efficient freight
movement. I salute and value the American truck driver and
thank them for their work.
I am a multigenerational Floridian raised in rural Madison
County, which is in North Florida. That upbringing instilled in
me the values of faith, family, community, responsibility, and
service.
My journey in public service began as a teenager with the
Madison County Sheriff's Office driven by a deep desire to
serve my community. I am incredibly grateful to the many
individuals who invested in me over the years whose guidance
shaped my path, strengthened my commitment to service, that
commitment has led to a 34-year career spanning both in public
and private sectors, with nearly 25 years dedicated to
commercial motor vehicle safety.
I retired as a Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol in 2020,
but the experiences and lessons learned from my decade spent in
law enforcement continue to be a cornerstone in my life.
Today, I remain committed to serving my community through
my appointment to the Flagler County School Board, where we
operate a successful commercial vehicle driver training school,
contributing to workforce development, and helping prepare the
next generation of safe and professional drivers.
I have witnessed the devastating aftermath of crashes,
stood beside first responders, comforted grieving families, and
seen how a single moment can ripple through an entire
community.
In 2023, approximately 5,000 lives were lost in large truck
and bus crashes, including 900 commercial drivers. These are
not just statistics. They are parents, children, colleagues,
and friends. Every life lost is one too many. No one should
have to see the horrific aftermath of a crash like what I and
so many first responders have seen. No family should have to
endure that kind of loss.
If confirmed, I will make roadway safe--roadway safety my
top priority. My work has always emphasized open communication
and collaboration with the industry, law enforcement, and
safety organizations. I understand with FMCSA's actions what
they do impact the entire industry, and I am committed to
ensuring that agency decisions are informed, balanced, and
transparent.
If confirmed, I will continue to strengthen relationships
between government stakeholders working together on our shared
goal of improving roadway safety as well as addressing critical
safety issues.
During my time with the Highway Patrol, I served the FMCSA
lead with Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program where our
troopers work diligently to make a positive difference on our
roadways. Through this work, I witnessed the importance of
strong partnerships to advance safety.
At the national level, I served as a Chairman of the
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Enforcement and Industry
Modernization, and the President of the Transportation Industry
Membership. There I helped advance initiatives in connected and
automated vehicle technologies, and data sharing, in cross-
jurisdictional collaboration.
I am grateful for the dedicated FMCSA employees who work
tirelessly to improve commercial vehicle safety. If confirmed,
I would be honored to lead this team in fulfilling the FMCSA
mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving
large trucks and buses. I will ensure the agency operates with
integrity, transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
So I want to thank you for your time and consideration, and
if confirmed, I look forward to working with you and your teams
to advance our shared goals of roadway safety and the efficient
transportation of goods.
And from President Roosevelt, ``I am ready to be the man in
the arena''. And I am prepared to get to work. And I welcome
your questions. Thank you, sir.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Barrs follow:]
Prepared Statement of Chief Derek Barrs, Nominee for Administrator,
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the
Committee:
Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today as the
President's nominee for Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA). I am honored by the trust placed in me
by President Trump and Secretary Duffy to serve in this critical safety
role.
I would like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for their
unwavering support. I am especially grateful to my parents for their
lifelong encouragement. I wish my mother could be here today, but I
know she is watching proudly from heaven.
The trucking industry touches all our lives. Commercial drivers
transport over 70 percent of our Nation's freight and share the road
with us every day. These professionals are the backbone of our economy,
working long hours--often away from their families--to ensure we have
the goods we rely on. I deeply respect their dedication and understand
the delicate balance between enhancing safety and enabling efficient
freight movement. I salute and value the American truck driver and
thank them for their work.
I'm a multi-generational Floridian, raised in rural Madison County,
located in North Florida. That upbringing instilled in me the values of
faith, family, community, responsibility, and service.
My journey in public service began as a teenager with the Madison
County, -Sheriff's Office, driven by a deep desire to serve my
community. I'm incredibly grateful to the many individuals who have
invested in me over the years, whose guidance shaped my path and
strengthened my commitment to service. That commitment has led to a 34-
year career spanning both the public and private sectors, with nearly
25 years dedicated to commercial motor vehicle safety. I retired as
Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol in 2020, but the experiences and
lessons learned from my decades spent in law enforcement continue to be
a cornerstone of my life.
Today, I remain committed to serving my community through my
appointment to the Flagler County School Board where we operate a
successful commercial vehicle driver training school, contributing to
workforce development, and helping prepare the next generation of safe
and professional drivers.
I have witnessed the devastating aftermath of crashes--stood beside
first responders, comforted grieving families, and seen how a single
moment can ripple through entire communities. In 2023, approximately
5,730 lives were lost in large truck and bus crashes including around
900 commercial drivers. These are not just statistics--they are
parents, children, colleagues, and friends. Every life lost is one too
many.
No one should have to see the horrific aftermath of a crash like
what I and so many first responders have seen. No family should have to
endure that kind of loss. If confirmed, I will make roadway safety my
highest priority.
My work has always emphasized open communication and
collaboration--with industry, law enforcement, and safety
organizations. I understand that FMCSA's actions impact an entire
industry, and I am committed to ensuring that agency decisions are
informed, balanced, and transparent. If confirmed, I will continue to
strengthen relationships between government and stakeholders, working
together on our shared goal of improving roadway safety, as well as
addressing critical safety issues.
During my time with the Florida Highway Patrol, I served as the
FMCSA lead for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP),
where our troopers worked diligently to make a positive difference on
our roadways. Through this work, I witnessed the importance of strong
partnerships to advance safety.
At the national level, I served as the chairman of the Commercial
Vehicle Safety Alliance's Enforcement and Industry Modernization
Committee and President of the Transportation Industry membership.
There, I helped advance initiatives in connected and automated vehicle
technologies, data sharing, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
I am grateful for the dedicated FMCSA employees who work tirelessly
to improve commercial vehicle safety. If confirmed, I would be honored
to lead this team in fulfilling the FMCSA mission to reduce crashes,
injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. I will
ensure the agency operates with integrity, transparency,
accountability, and efficiency.
Thank you for your time and consideration. If confirmed, I look
forward to working with you and your teams to advance our shared goals
of roadway safety and the efficient transportation of goods. From
President Roosevelt, ``I am ready to be the Man in the Arena.'' I am
prepared to get to work and welcome your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Derek D.
Barrs.
2. Position to which nominated: Administrator for Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration.
3. Date of Nomination: March 24, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Valdosta, Georgia.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Not Married.
Children: Brett Barrs, 27; Bentley Barrs, 23.
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
Bachelor of Science--Public Administration, Flagler College,
Saint Augustine, Florida: 2010-2012.
Associate of Science--Criminal Justice, North Florida
College, Madison, Florida: 1991-1997.
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated. All management positions are
indicated with an *.
*Flagler County School Board
School Board Member District 1
November 30, 2024 to present
*HNTB Corporation
Deputy Program Director/Associate Vice President
Transportation Consultant
January 13, 2020 to present
*Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle/
Division of the Florida Highway Patrol
Law Enforcement Chief--Chief of the Florida Highway
Patrol/Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
November 3, 2017, to January 12, 2020
*Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle/
Division of the Florida Highway Patrol
Law Enforcement Major--Troop Commander for Troop J/
Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
October 30, 2015, to November 2, 2017
*Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle/
Division of the Florida Highway Patrol
Law Enforcement Captain--Jacksonville and Ocala
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement District Commander
July 1, 2011, to October 29, 2015
*Florida Department of Transportation Office of Motor
Carrier Compliance Law Enforcement Operations; Jacksonville,
Florida
Law Enforcement Captain (Field Operations, Regional
Commander, Region 2/Region 6 Commander
August 8, 2008, to June 30, 2011
*Florida Department of Transportation Motor Carrier
Compliance Office, Law Enforcement Operations; DeLand, Florida
Law Enforcement Lieutenant (Field Operations, Field
Commander
August 15, 2003, to August 7, 2008
State Law Enforcement Officer
Florida Department of Transportation Motor Carrier
Compliance Office, Law Enforcement Operation; Lake City,
Florida and Tallahassee, Florida
January 5, 2001, to August 14, 2003
Deputy Sheriff
Madison County Sheriff's Office, Madison, Florida
February 20, 1991--January 4, 2001
9. Attach a copy of your resume. Attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
Current:
Flagler County Sheriffs Employee Assistance Trust--Board of
Director
Flagler County School Board--School Board Member
Madison County Senior Citizens Board
American Trucking Association Law Enforcement Advisory Board
Prior:
CVSA, President of Associate Membership: 2022-2024
CVSA, Vice President of Associate Membership: 2021-2022
St. Johns County School District Advisory Board for \1/2\
Cent Sales Tax: 2018-2021
Committee Chairman for Enforcement and Industry
Modernization: 2016-2020
Co-Chair, Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force
Mutual Aid Committee: 2005-2008
Vice President, Whisper Ridge Homeowners Association, St.
Augustine, FL: 2005-2006 Madison Rotary Club, Served as
Treasurer: 1994-2001
American Cancer Society Florida Division, Logistics Co-
Chair: 1998
Vice President, Madison County Athletic Booster Club: 1997-
1999
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
The below are all approx. year.
Current Involvements
Madison Masonic Lodge #11: 1996 to present
Member, Anastasia Baptist Church, St. Augustine, FL: 2004 to
present
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA): 2011 to present
Rotary Club of Flagler Beach: Approx. 2021 to present
Board of Director--Flagler County Sheriff's Employees Trust:
Approx. 2021 to present
American Trucking Association Law Enforcement Advisory
Board: 2021 to present
Madison County Senior Citizens Board: 2023 to present
Flagler County Educational Foundation: 2025
Past Involvements
President of Associate Membership, CVSA: 2022-2024
Vice President of Associate Membership, CVSA: 2021-2022
St. Johns County School District Advisory Board for \1/2\
Cent Sales Tax: 2018-2021
Rotary Club-St. Augustine: 2018-2021
Committee Chairman for Enforcement and Industry
Modernization: 2016-2020
Southern State Law Enforcement Partners Safe DRIVE
initiative: 2014-2020
Transportation Club of Jacksonville: 2015-2020
International Association of Chiefs of Police: 2015-2020
State Law Enforcement Chief Association: 2006-2020
Northeast Florida Law Enforcement Executive Association:
2009-2020
Volusia-Flagler County Police Chiefs Association: 2015-2017
(also 2007-2008)
Chairman for Operation ROADCHECK: 2013-2017
Co-Chairman for Operation ROADCHECK: 2013
St. Augustine Kiwanis Club: 2010-2013
L.E.A.D. (Let's Eliminate Aggressive Driving) Steering
Committee: 2007-2008
Volusia-Flagler County Police Chiefs Association: 2007-2008
Co-Chair, Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force
Mutual Aid Committee: 2005-2008
Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force: 2004-2008
St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary Club: 2003-2008
Vice President, Whisper Ridge Homeowners Association, St.
Augustine, FL: 2005-2006
Little League Baseball Coach, Madison & St. Johns Counties:
2002 and 2004
Partners for Success, Mentor Program: 1997-2001
National Association of School Resource Officers: 1996-2001
Board of Director, Florida Association of School Resource
Officers: 1996-2001
Florida Association of School Resource Officers: 1996-2001
Offensive Line Coach, Madison County High School: 1996-2001
Madison Rotary Club, Served as Treasurer: 1994-2001
American Cancer Society Florida Division, Logistics Co-
Chair: 1998
Vice President, Madison County Athletic Booster Club: 1997-
1999
Deacon, Fellowship Baptist Church, Madison, FL: 1997
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
Yes.
There is no outstanding debt.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
I have not held any positions paid or unpaid with a political party
or election committee.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Derek Barrs For Flagler County, Fl. School Campaign--Non-
Partisan: Loan to Campaign $20,000.
Rick Staly for Flagler County, Fl Sheriff--Republican:
Approx $3,000.
Rob Hardwick for St. Johns County, Fl Sheriff--Republican:
Approx $3,000.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Leadership Awards--Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance--2024
& 2020
Recognized by HNTB for contracts to advance overall
enhancement in highway safety in Florida, Louisiana, and
Kansas--2022 President's Award from Commercial Vehicle Safety
Alliance--2020
Honored with Proclamation from Volusia County Board of
County Commission for ``Chief Derek Barrs Day''--2020
Honored with Proclamation from Madison County Board of
County Commission ``Derek Barrs Day''--2020
Distinguished Service Citation from Okaloosa County Board of
County Commission--2020
Safety First Award from FMCSA--2019
Florida Inspectors Challenge Championship Recognition--2017,
2018, 2019
Community Service Award from the St. Augustine Beach Police
Department--2017
Special Recognition from Transportation Club of
Jacksonville--2015 & 2016
Honorary Kentucky Colonel from the State of Kentucky--2015
Certificate of Appreciation for Hands Across the Border--
2014
Live Saving Award--2010
Nominee for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year--State Law
Enforcement Chiefs Association--2006
Outstanding Alumni of North Florida Community College--2006
Florida Department of Transportation Law Enforcement Officer
of the Year Award--2006
Nominee for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year--Florida
Attorney General--2005
School Related Personnel of the Year Award as a School
Resource Deputy--2000
Builder for Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches--1999
Outstanding Community Service from Madison Rotary Club--1998
Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Council on
Crime and Delinquency in Juvenile Justice--1998
School Resource Officer Practitioner--1997
Safe Driving Award Florida Sheriff's Association--1997-2000
Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice, North Florida
Community College--1993
Numerous Commendations and letters of appreciation from law
enforcement career--1991-2021
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available. None.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
In my official capacity as a law enforcement leader, I have
presented and participated in panel discussions, public forums, and
educational outreach initiatives focused on commercial vehicle safety,
transportation policy, regulatory compliance, and community engagement.
These presentations have been delivered to a wide range of audiences,
including industry stakeholders, government agencies, and the general
public.
My contributions have included keynote addresses, PowerPoint
presentations, and participating in panel discussions aimed at
enhancing commercial motor vehicle safety and fostering collaboration
between enforcement agencies, the trucking industry, and other
stakeholders.
Please note that many of these events were conducted in official
capacities where recordings or presentation materials were not archived
or made publicly available and are not publicly available via a web
search. Below is a list events:
June 2, 2015--Operation Roadcheck Kick-Off Event
April 29, 2017--CVSA Enforcement and Industry Modernization
Committee meeting
December 6, 2017--Tallahassee Community College Driver
Training School: CMV education session
January 26, 2018--Rotary Club of St. Johns: Commercial
vehicle safety presentation
February 20, 2018--Speaker for Northeast Florida Law
Enforcement Executive Association on CMV safety
April 11, 2018--CVSA Enforcement and Industry Modernization
Committee meetings
April 24, 2018--Speaker at Bradford, FL Law Enforcement
Memorial
April 25, 2018--Welcome presentation for Federal and State
agencies at FMCSA MCSAP and ITD Workshop
May 2, 2018--Guest speaker at Columbia County, FL Law
Enforcement Memorial
May 9, 2018--Six-city Florida tour with FDOT and FLHSMV: CMV
education outreach to the trucking industry
June 9, 2018--Florida Inspectors Challenge and Florida Truck
Driving Championship
June 26, 2018--Outreach to public school teachers through
Florida Trucking Association on CMV safety
July 11, 2018--Madison Rotary Club presentation
July 25, 2018--Operation SAFE DRIVE educational and
enforcement efforts presentation
July 30, 2018--St. Augustine Rotary Club: Overview of CMV
and traffic safety topics
September 30, 2018--Enforcement and Industry Modernization
Committee presentation at CVSA
October 2, 2018--Roundtable discussion with Amazon, FMCSA,
ATA, and FTA
December 3, 2018--Florida Automated Vehicle Summit: Panel on
emerging technologies
March 16, 2019--Guest Speaker for Concerns of Police
Survivors
July 19, 2019--Update to Florida Trucking Association on FHP
and FLHSMV issues
August 1, 2019--Transportation Club of Jacksonville:
Transportation and CMV safety discussion
September 23, 2019--IFTA/IRP Managers Meeting: Welcome and
Florida FLHSMV overview
September 29, 2019--Presided over CVSA Enforcement and
Industry Modernization Committee
November 6, 2019--Truckers Against Human Trafficking
Coalition event
November 21, 2019--Florida Automated Vehicle Summit: Panel
discussion
October 25, 2020--Sunshine State Towing Association:
Presentation on size/weight issues and screening tech
November 16, 2020--2nd Annual Bearing the Burden Summit:
First Responder panel
June 16, 2021--Madison Rotary Club: Transportation topics
July 20, 2021--Flagler Beach Rotary Club: CMV safety
presentation
October 19, 2022--ATA/LEAB goals presentation to Florida
Trucking Association membership
March 2, 2023--Specialized Transportation Symposium
March 28, 2023--Electronic Roadside Inspection Forum
April 25, 2023--CVSA Associate Members Meeting: Membership
updates
September 23, 2023--CVSA Associate Members Meeting:
Membership updates
November 23, 2023--Southern States SAFE DRIVE Committee:
Advanced screening technology presentation
April 17, 2024--Electronic Roadside Inspection Update to
CVSA
August 22, 2024--Florida Technology Innovation Solution
Summit: Florida Chamber panel discussion
September 10, 2024--Electronic Roadside Inspection Update to
CVSA
November 13, 2024--Presentation to Texas BTAC Committee:
HB4422 safety and security findings
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
Over the past ten years, I have made public statements related to
commercial motor vehicle safety, enforcement, and transportation
policy, primarily in my official capacity as a law enforcement officer
and agency leader. These included media interviews, radio appearances,
press events, and public outreach, often tied to safety initiatives or
agency operations.
While I do not have access to all recordings or transcripts, I have
provided links to available statements where possible:
https://truckingfwd.medium.com/there-is-a-need-for-
understanding-of-each-
others-roles-and-responsibilities-207198d1bab
ELD Violations Won't Count Against CSA Scores During
Transition Period--Safety--Automotive Fleet
Florida cracks down on aggressive driving | FleetOwner
Former St. Augustine Beach Police Deputy Marshal Ron
Parker's legacy honored
Dave Nemo Show on Sirius Radio for Operation Roadcheck--No
Link
Troopers and Truck Drivers: https://www.facebook.com/share/
1BdMkjV8kZ/
?mibextid=wwXIfr
Hurricane Dorian Radio Appearance St. Johns County https://
www.facebook
.com/share/v/19EYXa9mLb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Hurricane Dorian-Flagler County response https://
www.facebook.com/share/
v/1AK9chMzJH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Working Together for A Safer Florida https://
www.facebook.com/share/p/
1BaLYjurJo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Hurricane Preparation: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/
15G4sH4Zjf/?mib
extid=wwXIfr
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
https://facebook.com/barrs.derek (Active);
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AbbNmSGvF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
(Active);
http://www.derekbarrs4flaglerschools.com/ (deleted);
https://www.instagram.com/chiefderekbarrs/?hl=en (Active);
https://www.instagram.com/derekbarrs_fl/ (Active);
https://twitter.com/BarrsDerek (Dormant);
https://snapchat.com/t/W5r25i5X (Active); and
https://www.linkedin.com/in/
chiefderekbarrs?utm_source=share&utm_
campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_
app (Active).
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony. None.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
Given the current mission of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA) to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities
involving large trucks and buses, I believe my 34+ years of combined
law enforcement and private sector experience, including over two
decades focused specifically on commercial vehicle safety and
enforcement, affirmatively qualify me for appointment to this position.
Throughout my career, I have consistently advanced safety
initiatives through strategic leadership, technical expertise, and
collaborative partnerships. I have overseen large numbers of personnel
and managed multi-million-dollar operational budgets, including formula
Motor Carrier Safety Program (MCSAP) and High Priority grants.
I have also played a key role in shaping legislation to enhance
commercial vehicle safety. Working closely with FMCSA, the Florida
Legislature, the Florida Trucking Association, and other stakeholders,
I developed statutory language that led to the successful enactment of
laws aimed at aligning Florida with Federal safety standards. I was
responsible not only for their implementation, but also for educating
internal and external stakeholders and ensuring effective enforcement.
My operational and organizational leadership includes managing
complex transformations and driving cultural integration, such as
during the legislative merger of the Florida Department of
Transportation's Office of Motor Carrier Compliance with the Florida
Highway Patrol. I built and maintained high morale and retention by
uniting diverse teams under a shared mission, earning statewide
recognition for my leadership.
At the national level, I chaired the Industry Modernization
Committee, where I helped pioneer the North American Standard Level
VIII Electronic Inspection. I've contributed to policy and programmatic
advancements in areas such as connected and automated vehicle
technologies, data sharing, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
In the private sector, I've continued to champion commercial
vehicle safety by aligning public and private stakeholders, and guiding
state departments of transportation on strategic safety and operations
planning and projects.
I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to serve in this position
because I am committed to protecting lives on our roadways. My career
has been defined by an unwavering dedication to highway safety, data-
informed decision-making, and strong partnership development across
sectors. I believe in FMCSA's mission, and if confirmed, I will bring
the vision, experience, and collaborative leadership needed to help the
agency continue driving innovation and saving lives.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
If confirmed, I believe it is my responsibility to ensure that
FMCSA operates with the highest levels of integrity, transparency,
accountability, and efficiency. This includes upholding proper
management and accounting controls, ensuring effective stewardship of
Federal resources, and maintaining strong internal oversight mechanisms
to support the agency's mission of reducing crashes, injuries, and
fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
My qualifications for carrying out these responsibilities are
extremely engrained in my 34+ years of public service and private
sector experience--more than 20 which have been specifically focused on
commercial motor vehicle enforcement and transportation safety and
efficiency. I have consistently led large, complex organizations with
significant operational, financial, and regulatory responsibilities.
As Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol's Office of Commercial
Vehicle Enforcement, I was responsible for managing large numbers of
personnel and the oversight of multi-million-dollar annual operating
budget, which included MCSAP and High Priority grant funding from
FMCSA. I ensured those funds were used responsibly, aligned with
Federal requirements, and directly supported our safety goals.
I was directly responsible for implementing internal controls to
manage field operations, training programs, size and weight
enforcement, compliance reviews, safety audits, and post-crash
investigations. I routinely evaluated program effectiveness using
performance metrics and crash data and reallocated resources to
maximize impact. I also played a key role in preparing and presenting
budget requests, analyzing legislation, and ensuring that programs
remained compliant with state and Federal regulations.
In addition to managing field operations and financial oversight, I
led efforts to modernize enforcement practices and prepare the agency
for emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and truck
platooning. These initiatives required thoughtful planning,
coordination with state and Federal partners, and a clear understanding
of the intersection between innovation, public safety, and regulatory
frameworks.
My experience extends to managing regional and statewide operations
at multiple levels. In these roles, I supervised large numbers of sworn
and non-sworn personnel per region, enforced Federal and state safety
regulations, oversaw weigh station operations using advanced
technology, and maintained strict accountability for the storage and
documentation of evidence and property.
In the private sector, I have continued to advise on commercial
vehicle safety initiatives and help agencies across Florida and other
states develop data-driven, collaborative strategies to improve highway
safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, I manage large multi-
million-dollar contracts to help deliver the needs of our clients,
making sure operations are on time and within budget.
Additionally, my recent service as a member of the Flagler County
School Board in Florida further reflects my ability to operate in a
governance role. In that role, I work closely with district staff,
administrators, parents, teachers, and the broader community as well as
the Florida Legislature to support and guide the mission of Flagler
County Schools with transparency, collaboration, and public
accountability. The position demands thoughtful leadership, decorum,
and consensus-building to address complex challenges while keeping the
needs of students and families at the forefront. This experience
reinforced my commitment to public service, fiscal responsibility, and
principled leadership; the values that would continue to guide my work
at FMCSA.
If confirmed, I will bring a proven record of managing large-scale
operations, overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, working across
jurisdictions and sectors, and building trust through action and
accountability. I will bring the same level of drive each day to
deliver positive results, uphold fiscal discipline, and lead with
operational integrity and a safety-first mindset. I understand the
gravity of managing public resources and remain deeply committed to
maintaining the public's trust, fostering transparency, and ensuring
that every program, policy, and partnership under FMCSA's purview
advances the core mission of saving lives on our Nation's highways.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
Continued Crashes and Fatalities on Our Highways: Despite efforts
to improve roadway safety, crashes involving commercial motor vehicles
remain a serious and ongoing challenge. These incidents often result in
significant loss of life and economic impact. FMCSA must continue to
focus on data-driven enforcement, driver education, and improved
vehicle technologies to drive down these numbers. Enhancing
collaboration with state and local agencies to use real-time data to
predict and prevent high-risk behaviors will be crucial to remove the
bad actors from our roadways. We must take a hard look at the impacts
that passenger vehicles continue to play in commercial motor vehicle
related crashes. We must look for new ways to significantly reduce
crashes on our roadways, thinking outside the box and collaborating
with all stakeholders.
Advancement of Technology: The rapid evolution of technology
including artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced driving
assistance systems presents both immense potential and new challenges
for the FMCSA. Areas such as cybersecurity, AI integration, and data
privacy must be at the forefront to ensure these tools are deployed
safely and responsibly. A critical part of this effort includes
modernizing FMCSA's internal systems to ensure they can effectively
support new technologies and withstand cyber threats.
Fraud and Identity Theft: Fraudulent activities, including identity
theft, CDL testing fraud, and manipulation of safety records, pose a
serious threat to the integrity of commercial vehicle operations. These
actions undermine the FMCSA's safety mission and can allow unqualified
or unsafe operators onto the road.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
My arrangements are fully described in Part 3 of my Public
Financial Disclosure Report.
A list of these arrangements and agreements is detailed below.
HNTB Corporation, ESOP account: Current Retirement Account
with current employer.
HNTB Corporation, 401(k): Current Retirement Account with
current employer.
State of Florida Pension: Receive a monthly pension from the
State of Florida for my law enforcement career.
State of Florida, deferred compensation: Deferred
compensation while I was employed with the State of Florida.
Madison County, deferred compensation: Deferred compensation
while I was employees with the Madison County Sheriff's Office,
Florida.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. None.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official
and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any
other potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy. None.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? No.
If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority?
YES. I will ensure that my office responds to such requests for
information as appropriate.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee?
Yes. I will ensure the agency provides witnesses as appropriate.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so?
Yes. I will ensure to appear as appropriate.
______
DEREK D. BARRS
OBJECTIVE: To leverage my 34+ years of diverse experience in public
safety, transportation, law enforcement, and educational leadership to
contribute to commercial vehicle safety.
EXECUTIVE & TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Strategic, executive-level leader
with over 34 years of law enforcement and private sector experience, of
which over 24 years were specifically in commercial vehicle
enforcement. I used my diverse and distinguished background in local/
state law enforcement and experience first performing, and later
leading and overseeing, training, safety investigations, commercial
vehicle inspections, size & weight compliance, and new entrant safety
audit programs to enhance safety and save lives. My ability to form
lasting personal and professional relationships and partnerships from
nonprofit and private sector to public sector has enabled cooperative
problem solving. I am a motivated, disciplined, relationship builder
with strong character and a passion for serving others.
As Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol, I led the Office of
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement--a diverse team of over 300
sworn and non-sworn professionals--in carrying out the agency's
mission through responsible management of a $34 million
operational budget, of which $12 million was Motor Carrier
Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) and High Priority grant
monies, resulting in a reduction of large truck and bus
fatalities in the state by over 22 percent from 2019 to 2020--
over double the national average (based on FMCSA Analysis &
Information Online).
Also, while Chief, I developed the statutory language that
led to the successful passage and enactment of a variety of
Florida commercial vehicle legislation, by working
cooperatively with The Us Department of Transportation, Florida
Trucking Association, Florida Department of Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Transportation, and
Florida state legislature to ensure compliance with Federal
regulations. Following enactment, I led the education of
internal and external stakeholders, and was responsible for
ensuring proper enforcement of these new laws implemented to
save lives on our highways.
Throughout my career, I have led teams through many types of
transformations. First, as a new Lieutenant, I revitalized a
field office from having the lowest employee satisfaction to
that with the highest in employee satisfaction within one year
and maintained these employee survey results through my entire
five-year tenure in this role, for which I received the
agency's Law Enforcement Officer of the year award in 2006.
Second, in 2011, as a Captain with the Florida Department of
Transportation Office of Motor Carrier Compliance, I
demonstrated resilience and flexibility when the entire office
was absorbed into the Florida Highway Patrol through
legislative action. Not only was this an operational shift, but
it was also a culture change and merger of diverse visions.
Through my proactive communication efforts and the trust of
those under my command, I affirmed a unified mission while
emphasizing each individual's value, resulting in my region
being highlighted to others as an example to model due to our
high staff retention and morale.
I served as Chair of the Commercial Vehicle Safety
Alliance's (CVSA's) Enforcement and Industry Modernization
Committee from 2016-2020 to identify technological advancements
that can improve commercial motor vehicle safety, including the
development of the North American Standard Level VIII
Electronic Inspection during my tenure. I continued to
collaborate with public and private organizations on state
initiatives such as platooning, citation systems, automated and
connected vehicles, and data sharing throughout the
southeastern United States. Because of my work above, I was
awarded a Safety-First award from the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administrator in 2019.
I have experience solving complex problems and working with
stakeholders from private industry, enforcement, and
legislative positions up to the executive branch. For example,
I have used my professional expertise to have commercial
vehicle safety legislation passed which would improve overall
safety. Similarly, I consistently communicated in many
different forms with Florida state legislators, as well as
local and state agencies, to keep the Florida Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway
Patrol's vision and the safety of the motoring public at the
forefront of their minds. Consequently, Florida is continually
recognized as a leader in highway safety.
When autonomous vehicle developers began testing on public
roads in Florida, I identified social impacts and public risks.
I then responded strategically and formed relationships with
them to assist them in their development and execution of
testing plans and influenced state legislators in the revision
of regulations governing this new technology (FSS 316.85).
I gained tremendous experience leading a diverse group of
professionals from across the country when I chaired Operation
Safe DRIVE, a safety initiative designed to eliminate traffic
fatalities that began with only four southern states and gained
national attention and support. While leading this program, I
coordinated and communicated operational plans and gained input
from all supporting and opposing views from stakeholders
involved, including national, state, and local authorities, and
private commercial vehicle industry, and used data collection
and analysis to support my decisions. I was instrumental in
developing the current MOU for data sharing between two states
(Florida and Georgia), and with FMCSA's support, we have seen a
remarkable reduction in CMV crashes over the years.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Constitutional Officer, Flagler County Fl. School Board Member District
1 | October 30, 2024, to Present
ADVOCATE FOR EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND FUNDING: Advocate for
policies that enhance educational opportunities and secure
funding for Flagler County's public schools, ensuring alignment
with both state and local educational goals.
SUPPORT STUDENT SAFETY INITIATIVES: Collaborate with local
law enforcement and community organizations to improve school
safety, including implementing proactive safety measures and
crisis management plans.
ENGAGE IN LONG-TERM EDUCATIONAL PLANNING: Participate in
strategic planning sessions to evaluate current educational
needs and develop forward-thinking solutions to improve
curriculum delivery, teacher development, and student outcomes.
BUILD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: Foster relationships with
local stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and government
entities, to address concerns and ensure that the needs of
students and families are met.
MONITOR BUDGET ALLOCATIONS: Ensure the efficient use of the
school district's budget by reviewing and approving
expenditures to support student success and operational
efficiency.
HNTB Corporation, Associate Vice President | January 13, 2020, to
Present
USED RELATIONSHIPS TO INFLUENCE SAFETY DEVELOPMENT: Utilized
my professional network to align multiple industry and agency
stakeholders to advance automated commercial vehicle safety as
this new technology emerges. Formed a partnership group to help
FDOT provide a collaborative venue to bring awareness within
the group, identify opportunities to enhance commercial motor
vehicle safety cooperatively, and promote a unified message
related to commercial vehicles.
COORDINATED INTERSTATE SAFETY PROJECTS: Coordinated MOU
between Florida and Georgia for data collection and sharing
project opportunities and developed strategic plan for
improving safety and promoting economic growth for many other
states. Lead Florida Department of Transportation/Motor Carrier
Size and Weight (FDOT/MCSAW) and the Commercial Vehicles
Operations general services contracts.
COORDINATION OF TRUCK PARKING ENHANCEMENT STUDIES:
Coordinate with various stakeholders to evaluate the truck
parking needs to increase safety of the highway system. Hours
of Service (HOS) compliance for commercial vehicle operators is
state law and federally regulated to reduce safety issues
resulting from fatigued driving. To meet specified HOS
regulations, commercial vehicle operators need safe parking
locations. Identified immediate implementable solutions to
increase the number of publicly available truck parking spaces
and to fully utilize current available spaces. This may be
accomplished through the incorporation of private parking
facilities into TPAS and the exploration and development of
alternative parking solutions.
MANAGE CONSULTANT CONTRACTS: Manage and maintain multiple
consultant contracts with highway safety agencies.
BUILD AND MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS: Develop and maintain
relationships across the United States to strategically plan
from for the safe and efficient movements good through all
modes of travel.
Florida Highway Patrol, Law Enforcement Chief | November 3, 2017-
January 12, 2020
LED OFFICE OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT (CVE):
Responsible for law enforcement patrol and commercial vehicle
operations, oversight, direction, and control of 2 law
enforcement troops and a Special Operations Command with over
300 personnel. Managed and directed the overall operations of
the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, to include
overall commercial vehicle training and post-crash
investigations, compliance investigations, and New Entrant
Safety Audits. Coordinated implementation of CVE programs.
Served in the capacity as staff commander for staff operations
such as natural disasters, security functions, and criminal
task force operations.
APPLIED DOMAIN AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO ADVANCE SAFETY
THROUGH STRATEGIC PRACTICES: Assisted and Analyzed proposed
legislation. Ensured compliance to Departmental policies,
procedures, and accreditation practices. Utilized crash,
inspection, and vehicle screening data to deploy resources to
reduce CMV related crashes. Liaison for emerging advanced
driving technologies (i.e., Platooning, and Autonomous
Vehicles).
MANAGED ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCIAL OPERATIONS: Managed and
directed the overall operations of the Office of Commercial
Vehicle Enforcement, Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program
grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Assisted in the preparation of the budget and the presentation
of the budget request. Assisted in the preparation of documents
necessary to changing Department programs. Controlled and
approved all division field command operation expenses.
BUILT RELATIONSHIPS TO SUPPORT MISSION OF THE AGENCY:
Rendered advice and assistance on operational issues within the
Florida Highway Patrol. Maintained liaison and cooperative
working relationship with other law enforcement, criminal
justice, emergency management, government officials and
personnel. Liaison with the Florida Highway Patrol Advisory
Council. Conducted public educational outreach and education.
Florida Highway Patrol, Law Enforcement Major | October 30, 2015-
November 2, 2017
LED TROOP & TRAINING OPERATIONS: Controlled and directed
enforcement activities of the Office of Commercial Vehicle
Enforcement (CVE) for Northeast and South Florida areas.
Utilized and analyzed commercial vehicle data to deploy
resources to reduce crashes. Commanded commercial vehicle
training section.
DEVELOPED STRONG TEAM TO CARRY OUT MISSION OF THE TROOP:
Overall management and control of the law enforcement function
and activities within the Troop for commercial vehicle
operations, to include the training section. Manpower allotment
of approximately 120 sworn and non-sworn personnel. Developed
and communicated work performance standards. Monitored and
maintained working files of subordinates' performance.
LEVERAGED PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
AND STAKEHOLDERS: Conducted public outreach and education with
law enforcement partners, trucking industry, and other
government disciplines. Support law enforcement agencies,
including those outside of Florida, in joint efforts to combat
many like concerns.
Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Patrol, Law
Enforcement Captain | August 8, 2008-October 29, 2015
LED OFFICE DISTRICT OPERATIONS: Controlled and directed
enforcement activities of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
District personnel in the, enforcing weight, safety, size,
traffic, fuel tax, registration laws, transportation of
hazardous materials, non-public sector bus laws, and other
traffic related activities. Supervised and participated in
investigations of stolen vehicles and illegal drugs, while
performing related enforcement activities.
MENTORED TEAM: Observed personnel in the field, accompanied
them on patrol and at fixed scale facilities, and devices and
assisted with enforcement problems. Conducted and reviewed
performance evaluations, and counseled assigned personnel when
necessary.
BUILT STRONG PARTNERSHIPS: Through deliberate efforts and
outreach, developed a professional network of industry,
regional and state partners to form an alliance promoting
highway safety.
Florida Department of Transportation--Law Enforcement Operations, Law
Enforcement Lieutenant | August 15, 2003-August 7, 2008
Florida Department of Transportation--Law Enforcement Operations, Law
Enforcement Officer | January 5, 2001-August 14, 2003
Madison County Florida Sheriff's Office, Deputy Sheriff | February,
1991-January 4, 2001
Communications Officer, Correctional Deputy, Patrol Deputy, and School
Resource Deputy.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science--Public Administration, Flagler College, Saint
Augustine, Florida: 2012
Associate of Science--Criminal Justice, North Florida College, Madison,
Florida: 1997
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)--2011 to present
Florida Trucking Association
S.L.E.C.A--State Law Enforcement Chief Association 2006-2020
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Florida Police Chiefs Association
Volusia--Flagler County Police Chiefs Association 2007-2008
and 2015-2017
Florida Sheriff's Association
Northeast Florida Law Enforcement Executive Association
2009-2020
Committee Chairman for Enforcement and Industry
Modernization with CVSA 2016-2020
American Trucking Association Law Enforcement Advisory Board
2021 to Present (Industry Outreach Advisor)
Chairman for Operation ROADCHECK with CVSA 2013-2017
Co-Chairman for Operation ROADCHECK within CVSA 2013
Southern State Law Enforcement Partners Safe DRIVE
initiative 2014 to Present (Pat Chair)
President of Associate Membership CVSA 2021-2024
Transportation Club of Jacksonville 2015 to present
Concerns of Police Survivors 2015 to present
Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force 2004-2008
Co-Chair Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force Mutual
Aid Committee 2005-2008
L.E.A.D. Let's Eliminate Aggressive Driving Steering
Committee 2007-2008
Florida Trucking Association
Ad Hoc Chair CVSA Electronic Inspections Initiative
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Florida Inspectors Championship Recognition
Safe Driving Award
Outstanding Alumni of NFCC
BUILDER for Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches
School Resource Officer Practitioner
Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice
Numerous commendations & letters of appreciation
HONORS AND AWARDS
Safety First Award from FMCSA
Florida Department of Transportation Law Enforcement Officer
of the Year Award
Distinguished Service Citation from Okaloosa County Board of
County Commission
Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Council on
Crime and Delinquency in Juvenile Justice
Nominee for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Florida
Attorney General
Nominee for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year State Law
Enforcement Chiefs Association
Outstanding Community Service from Madison Rotary Club
School Related Personnel of the Year Award as a School
Resource Deputy
Community Service Award from the St. Augustine Beach Police
Department
Live Saving Award
Honored with Proclamation from Volusia County Board of
County Commission for ``Chief Derek Barrs Day''
Honored with Proclamation from Madison County Board of
County Commission ``Derek Barrs Day''
Freedom Square Award-Madison County Chamber of Commerce
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
FBI Executive Leadership Training
North American Standard Inspection Vehicle Examination
Cargo Tank/Bulk Packaging Inspection
Commercial Vehicle Crash Inspection
Covered Farm Vehicles for Law Enforcement
FEMA ICS 300
FEMA IS 100
FEMA--National Incident Management Systems
National response Plan IS 800
Basic Incident Command System IS-195
ICS for Single Resources IS 200
Advanced Incident Command System Command and General Staff:
Complex Incidents G 400
Law Enforcement Response to WMD incidents