Alex Illar
Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania
Summary
With over 20 years of experience in firefighting and rescue operations, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Alongside a solid academic background in Fire Management, Alex has proven to be a highly accomplished Fire Officer. Through dedicated leadership and commitment to education, Alex has successfully implemented engagement initiatives, empowered team members, and fostered a culture of continuous learning and technical competence. Alex's exceptional leadership and management skills were evident as the manager of over 120 members of the Special Operations Division for the Calgary Fire Department. Alex's expertise lies in providing progressive and in-depth knowledge of fire and technical rescue operations, allowing for the development of policies and procedures that streamline operations and training while ensuring optimal service to citizens.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Instructor
Task Force 1, Inc.
06.2024 - Current
- Established goals for courses with organized outlines and detailed lessons.
- Led programs in various fire and rescue disciplines, increasing qualifications among department personnel.
- Engaged students in academic and practical conversations that elicited critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
- Built strong relationships with local fire departments, fostering collaboration for joint training exercises.
- Kept current on industry trends and advancements, integrating new information into course materials for an up-to-date curriculum.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for fire instructors, resulting in increased efficiency and knowledge transfer.
- Enhanced student performance by providing individualized feedback and coaching on their techniques and strategies.
- Evaluated student progress and adjusted instructional methods accordingly for optimal learning outcomes.
Fire Officer
Mt. Lebanon Fire Department
01.2021 - Current
- Coordinated multi-agency responses to large-scale incidents, ensuring effective communication and cooperation among all involved parties.
- Managed incident scenes effectively, ensuring the safety of all personnel and minimizing property damage.
- Supervised station budgeting process, allocating funds strategically across various needs while consistently staying within fiscal constraints.
- Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
- Coordinated, scheduled and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
- Streamlined station operations by optimizing resource allocation and scheduling processes.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies, and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Established strong relationships with neighboring fire departments, fostering mutual aid agreements for enhanced regional support during emergencies.
- Mentored firefighters with targeted one-on-one assistance, leading to improved skill performance.
- Trained new hires on departmental policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure a seamless integration into the team.
- Developed and executed comprehensive training programs for firefighters, resulting in increased skills and knowledge.
Adjunct Instructor
IAFF
09.2020 - Current
- Taught firefighter survival program, providing instruction to up to 150 recruit firefighters.
- Strengthen critical thinking skills through efficiently managing the most comprehensive survival skills and Mayday prevention program in the fire service.
- Incorporate federal regulations, proven incident management best practices and survival techniques from leaders in the field, and real case studies from experienced firefighters.
- Apply lessons learned from firefighter fatality investigations conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Rescue Coordinator
Calgary Fire
09.2015 - 12.2020
- Directed work of 120 firefighters engaged in technical rescue operations.
- Taught technical rescue program, providing instruction to up to 200 rescue technicians.
- Taught recruit fire academy, providing instruction to up to 600 firefighter recruits.
- Managed department budget effectively, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds for personnel, training, and equipment needs.
- Optimized staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage during peak call times while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Expanded the department's capabilities by incorporating specialized teams such as technical rescue and water rescue companies.
- Spearheaded efforts to achieve accreditation for the department, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in service delivery and continuous improvement.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies, and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Coordinated, scheduled, and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
- Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
Rescue Technician
Calgary Fire
09.2013 - 09.2015
- Implemented strategic plans for incident management to streamline response efforts and mitigate risks associated with rescue operations.
- Demonstrated adaptability in various environments, including confined spaces, high angles, trenches, and industrial rescue situations.
- Developed proficiency in multiple rescue disciplines, including rope rescue, trench and confined space rescue, and heavy vehicle rescue scenarios.
- Optimized rescue operations with effective communication and coordination among team members.
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry advancements through participation in workshops, conferences, webinars, or other professional development opportunities related to rescue field.
- Enhanced situational awareness by collecting and analyzing critical information at the scene of an emergency.
Firefighter | Engineer
Calgary Fire
04.2011 - 09.2015
- Drove and operated various apparatus including engines, ladders, and rescue trucks to aid in rescue operations.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering cultures of teamwork and professionalism.
- Trained recruits in fire suppression techniques, improving team efficiency and readiness.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through advanced firefighting and rescue training courses.
Firefighter
Chestermere Fire
06.2010 - 09.2015
- Reduced property damage from fires with quick and strategic firefighting tactics.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering cultures of teamwork and professionalism.
- Trained recruits in fire suppression techniques, improving team efficiency and readiness.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through advanced firefighting and rescue training courses.
Damage Controlman
US Navy - Forward Deployed Posts
04.2005 - 04.2010
- Enhanced emergency preparedness, participating in joint exercises with other military branches simulating real-world scenarios.
- Coordinated with other military units and agencies to support operations and align missions.
- Contributed to overall mission success by maintaining optimal ship stability through expert ballast management.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of damage control systems using performance metrics and made recommendations for improvements as needed.
- Aided in the development of ship-specific damage control plans, providing invaluable insight based on hands-on experience and expertise.
- Enhanced vessel safety by conducting regular inspections and maintenance of damage control equipment.
- Performed critical maintenance tasks on life-saving equipment such as breathing devices, fire pumps, hoses, and nozzles ensuring peak performance during emergencies.
- Assisted in maintaining watertight integrity of the ship by inspecting and servicing hatches, doors, scuttles, and other fittings regularly.
- Increased crew proficiency in damage control measures by providing hands-on training sessions and workshops.
Firefighter
St. Mary's Fire Department
09.2001 - 04.2010
- Reduced property damage from fires with quick and strategic firefighting tactics.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering cultures of teamwork and professionalism.
- Trained recruits in fire suppression techniques, improving team efficiency and readiness.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through advanced firefighting and rescue training courses.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fire Management
American Public University
Charles Town, WV06.2020
Associate of Science - Fire Science
American Public University
Charles Town, WV11.2017
Skills
- Communication
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Strategic Planning
- Budget Management
- Team Management
- Project Management
- Collaborative Problem Solving
- Decision-Making
- Change Management
- Time Management
- Resource Management
- Progressive Education
Certification
- Fire Officer IV, NFPA 1021 - 12/2023
- EMT, Nationally Registered - 12/2021
- Pumper / Operator, NFPA 1002 - 07/2021
- Firefighter II, NFPA 1001 - 05/2019
- Firefighter I, NFPA 1001 - 05/2019
- Fire Instructor II, NFPA 1041 - 09/2015
- Rope Rescue Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Confined Space Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Collapse Rescue Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Trench Rescue Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Vehicle Rescue Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Hazmat Operations, NFPA 472 - 07/2011
Personal Information
Title: Fire Officer
Timeline
Adjunct Instructor
Task Force 1, Inc.
06.2024 - Current
Fire Officer
Mt. Lebanon Fire Department
01.2021 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
IAFF
09.2020 - Current
Rescue Coordinator
Calgary Fire
09.2015 - 12.2020
Rescue Technician
Calgary Fire
09.2013 - 09.2015
Firefighter | Engineer
Calgary Fire
04.2011 - 09.2015
Firefighter
Chestermere Fire
06.2010 - 09.2015
Damage Controlman
US Navy - Forward Deployed Posts
04.2005 - 04.2010
Firefighter
St. Mary's Fire Department
09.2001 - 04.2010
- Fire Officer IV, NFPA 1021 - 12/2023
- EMT, Nationally Registered - 12/2021
- Pumper / Operator, NFPA 1002 - 07/2021
- Firefighter II, NFPA 1001 - 05/2019
- Firefighter I, NFPA 1001 - 05/2019
- Fire Instructor II, NFPA 1041 - 09/2015
- Rope Rescue Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Confined Space Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Collapse Rescue Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Trench Rescue Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Vehicle Rescue Technician, CFD - 09/2013
- Hazmat Operations, NFPA 472 - 07/2011
Bachelor of Science - Fire Management
American Public University
Associate of Science - Fire Science
American Public University
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