A.J. McCarthy
Kennett Square,PA
Summary
Experienced Fire Chief offering extensive list of successes building and leading talented teams in training, drills and high-danger emergency events. Highly committed to safety and continuous provision of quality emergency response. Equipped with strong background overseeing group efforts across diverse facilities ranging in size and complexity.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Fire Chief
Longwood Fire Co.
01.2011 - Current
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Managed department budget effectively, prioritizing essential equipment purchases and maintenance without compromising safety standards.
- Established strong relationships with local government officials to secure necessary funding and resources for the department''s needs.
- Reduced workplace injuries by enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols and conducting regular inspections of facilities and equipment.
- Supervised incident command operations, ensuring proper coordination among on-scene personnel and effective communication with external agencies.
- Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
- Successfully led large-scale emergency exercises, testing the readiness of personnel under high-pressure scenarios and identifying gaps in response capabilities.
- Promoted public trust in the department by maintaining transparency in operations, addressing concerns from community members, and ensuring accountability among staff members at all levels.
- Implemented the operational consolidation of three fire companies within Regional Fire Commission to serve 56 square miles protecting 40,000+ people.
Police Officer
Borough Of West Chester Police Dept.
03.2004 - 02.2017
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Developed and implemented the first Taser program for the Department serving as it's lead instructor.
- Served as one of two Department Gang Intelligence Officers.
- Served as a Narcotics Officer for the Chester County Drug Task Force.
Fire Service Instructor
Chester County Dept. Of Emergency Services
01.2011 - 11.2016
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans covering essential fire service topics, ensuring thorough knowledge retention.
- Enhanced decision-making abilities among trainees using immersive scenario-based simulations.
- Provided mentorship to new firefighters, supporting their personal growth within the profession.
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to design specialized training programs tailored to departmental needs.
- Enhanced firefighter skills by conducting practical hands-on training and informative classroom sessions.
Non-Supression Instructor
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
06.2011 - 10.2016
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
- Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
Patrol Officer
Schuylkill Twp. Police Department
07.2003 - 03.2004
- Prepared detailed reports documenting daily patrols, incidents encountered, and actions taken during shifts.
- Arrested suspects with appropriate use of force, following departmental guidelines and legal procedures.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
Education
Act 120 Certification - Law Enforcement
Delaware County Police Academy
Broomall, PA06.2002
High School Diploma -
Bishop Shanahan High School
Downingtown, PA06.1999
Skills
- Firefighting operations
- Incident Command
- Workload prioritization
- Fire suppression
- Staff Development
- Municipal Codes
- Personnel Management
- Policy Enforcement
Affiliations
- Pa Career Fire Chiefs Association
- International Association of Fire Chiefs
- Chester County Fire Chiefs Association
Timeline
Non-Supression Instructor
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
06.2011 - 10.2016
Fire Chief
Longwood Fire Co.
01.2011 - Current
Fire Service Instructor
Chester County Dept. Of Emergency Services
01.2011 - 11.2016
Police Officer
Borough Of West Chester Police Dept.
03.2004 - 02.2017
Patrol Officer
Schuylkill Twp. Police Department
07.2003 - 03.2004
Act 120 Certification - Law Enforcement
Delaware County Police Academy
High School Diploma -
Bishop Shanahan High School
Similar Profiles
Daniel TierneyDaniel Tierney
Firefighter EMT at Longwood Fire CompanyFirefighter EMT at Longwood Fire Company
Matthew KoehlerMatthew Koehler
Career Firefighter / EMT-B at Delaware Air National Guard Fire DepartmentCareer Firefighter / EMT-B at Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department
Caleb McConnellCaleb McConnell
Student Teacher at Longwood UniversityStudent Teacher at Longwood University