Darcy Leutzinger brings over three decades of frontline experience in public safety to his role as director of the Master of Emergency Management Systems (MEMS) program at University of the Pacific. A former police lieutenant, Leutzinger spent much of his career coordinating emergency response efforts, building interagency strategies and leading teams through critical incidents. Now, he’s helping students do the same by preparing them to manage complex emergencies with foresight, clarity and confidence.
“Emergency management isn’t just about responding to disasters. It’s about understanding systems, thinking critically and leading under pressure,” Leutzinger says. “That’s exactly what we’re teaching at Pacific.”
Experience meets education
Leutzinger’s law enforcement career shaped his understanding of what effective emergency management really demands: strategic thinking, communication and the ability to coordinate across organizations. At Pacific, he helped shape the MEMS curriculum with that in mind.
Students gain both theoretical grounding and applied skills in areas such as hazard mitigation, public policy, crisis leadership and disaster science. The program is designed for professionals from a range of sectors—public safety, health care, infrastructure and beyond—who want to lead during times of disruption and uncertainty.
“Our goal is to graduate professionals who are ready to lead,” says Leutzinger. “We’re building a new generation of emergency managers who can handle today’s complex challenges.”
Preparing for what’s next
The MEMS program emphasizes real-world applications. Students engage in systems analysis, leadership case studies, and scenario-based planning exercises that mirror the complexity of today’s emergencies. Whether they’re preparing for natural disasters, cybersecurity threats or large-scale public health events, graduates leave equipped to manage evolving risks and strengthen the resilience of their organizations and communities.
For Leutzinger, the move into higher education is a continuation of public service. “This work is about more than earning a degree; it’s about preparing others to serve,” he says. “Every student who comes through the MEMS program will go on to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future.”
