About The AED Group

The AED Group is your premier Public Relations and Communications Firm. We specialize in municipal Fire Department grants and emergency preparedness.  The AED Group also will help you strategize in a time of crisis; whether it is drafting a press release or helping you manage your messaging in multimedia press.  

Personnel at The AED Group are high ranking and command staff individuals who are both active and retired from Chicagoland police and fire departments. Partners at The AED Group possess top-tier education ranging from multiple Masters Degrees from prestigious universities to Doctorate level education.  Along with elite academic education, we also bring vast experience in the fire service and law enforcement. Partners at The AED Group have participated in top level strategy emergency planning meetings and have contacts in various public and private entities who are instrumental in public safety.   

The AED Group is driven by the needs of our clients and will help you facilitate a favorable outcome. The AED Group has a proven track record of helping various fire departments and a regional dispatch center being awarded in total of nearly $750,000.00 including an emergency Covid-19 grant of $75,000.00 for a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division.  The AED Group has multiple contacts in the media who will guide us in conveying the best and accurate message regarding the crisis.  

For further information, please contact us at: Adobson@aedgroup.org   

Meet The Team

  • Mr. Dobson, a distinguished emergency services and management leader is the founder and president of the AED Group. He has an impressive career of nearly 30 years of Emergency Services experience in both the public and private sectors.

    Currently, Mr. Dobson serves as a full time Deputy District Chief in the Bureau of Logistics with the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). In this position, Chief Dobson manages and administers nearly a one million dollar budget that is comprised of City of Chicago Corporate Funds, state and federal grant funding as well. He also manages 30 firefighters, five Fire Lieutenants and one Fire Captain. The Deputy District Chief allocates and procures assets for the Division of Breathing Apparatus Services which consist of the following to name a few: Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC’s), Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and face pieces, Air Purifying Respirators and an array of various types of gas and radiation monitors. Chief Dobson also has the duty to respond to fires and other emergencies when there is a need for a representative from the Bureau of Logistics.

    In addition to his CFD experience, Mr. Dobson has Fire Chief experience in a suburban municipality in the Chicagoland area. His experience in the fire service includes overseeing the administration and operations of a fire department, including procuring appropriate life safety equipment, managing and maintaining the budget, hazardous materials operations, personnel policies, labor relations, emergency management and incident command and operations. Mr. Dobson has a strong understanding of fire prevention and fire protection systems from his long-standing experience in the service.

    Aside from his service in the public sector, Mr. Dobson has extensive experience in public relations, grant writing and speech writing. Mr. Dobson has consulted with notable political figures and their campaigns too.

    Mr. Dobson holds an Masters Degree in Public Policy Administration (MPPA) from Northwestern University, a Masters of Science in Public Safety Administration (MPA) and a Bachelors of Science in Fire Service Administration from Lewis University.

    Mr. Dobson is a member of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Firefighters and a board member for Mercy Home School for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

  • Dr. Landon J. Wade is a highly accomplished career professional with over 37 years of experience in law enforcement, public safety, and education. Throughout his distinguished career, he has made significant contributions to the field, particularly within the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and beyond.

    Dr. Wade began his career in 1993 as a Gang Tactical and Patrol Officer with the CPD, where he quickly demonstrated his exceptional skills in understanding and combating gang activity and narcotics operations. His expertise led to remarkable achievements, including the disruption of multiple drug trafficking operations and participation in over 120 undercover missions. He later advanced to the Bureau of Organized Crime, where his strategic acumen in covert operations played a pivotal role in high-profile cases and the development of advanced protocols for dignitary protection.

    In 2014, Dr. Wade assumed the role of Unit Commanding Officer in the Office of Legal Affairs, overseeing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and implementing effective strategies for information management. His exceptional leadership skills were further demonstrated during his tenure as a Sergeant in the Bureau of Organized Crime - Intelligence, where he developed operational plans for major events like the Chicago NATO Summit and collaborated with federal agencies on joint missions.

    As the Watch Operations Lieutenant for the 005th district, Dr. Wade's leadership had a positive impact on public health and safety while fostering transparency and community engagement. He introduced groundbreaking initiatives in mental health and wellness resources for officers, highlighting his commitment to their well-being.

    In addition to his law enforcement duties, Dr. Wade has been an influential educator and mentor. Holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from DePaul University, he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Aurora University, where he shares his extensive knowledge in terrorism and counterterrorism. Furthermore, as the Manager of Security Operations at Discover Financial Services, he is renowned for developing sophisticated security strategies and emergency preparedness mechanisms.

    Dr. Wade's commitment to community service is equally commendable. He has volunteered his expertise in various capacities, including speaking at Prosecutor's Survival School and mentoring at Chicago Public Schools. His international experience includes collaborating with the London Metropolitan Police Department at Scotland Yard and contributing to the development of law enforcement training programs in nine countries across the eastern Caribbean.

    With extensive training in high-risk entry tactics and intelligence threat analysis, combined with his leadership and career coaching qualifications, Dr. Wade is a multifaceted professional. After a distinguished 26-year career with the Chicago Police Department, he transitioned to the corporate world as the Manager of Security Operations at a Fortune 100 financial institution.

    Continuing his dedication to academic excellence, Dr. Wade currently serves as an adjunct professor at Aurora University, teaching their terrorism and counterterrorism criminal justice course. Recently, he became a certified career coach, leveraging his expertise to support professionals in enhancing their professional platforms.

    Dr. Wade's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his publications, such as his graduate capstone on resilience and wellness in law enforcement. His work reflects his unwavering dedication to advancing police practices and promoting the well-being of those in the field.

    In summary, Dr. Landon J. Wade is a consummate professional who has made significant contributions to law enforcement, education, community safety, and public health throughout his career. His exceptional leadership, strategic planning abilities, and unwavering commitment to public service have left an indelible impact on the communities he has served.