Chief Dennis Compton currently serves as a respected advisor to the fire service and other disciplines as well. He is a well-known speaker and the author of several books including his latest titled Progressive Leadership Principles, Concepts, and Tools. His previous books include a three-part series titled When in Doubt, Lead, and another titled Mental Aspects of Performance for Firefighters and Fire Officers. He has authored many chapters and articles for various publications, and is the Co-Editor of the third edition of the textbook titled Managing Fire and Rescue Services.

Dennis was the Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona for more than five years and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix, Arizona where he served for twenty-seven years. Chief Compton has served as Chairman of the Executive Board of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Institute's National Advisory Committee based in Washington, DC. He is currently Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors. Dennis is a member of several other national fire service associations as well.

Chief Compton is a past recipient of the George D. Post National Fire Service Instructor of the Year Award, and was named the American Fire Sprinkler Association Fire Service Person of the Year in 2000. Dennis was also named the 2001 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the University of Phoenix, and received the 2003 Mason Lankford National Fire Service Leadership Award. He received the 2007 Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2009 Arizona Fire Chiefs Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and is a charter member of the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame.