Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Andrew Washco

Andrew Washco

WEST CHESTER,PA

Summary

Dynamic fire service leader with extensive experience at Columbia River Fire and Rescue, excelling in strategic planning and team management. Achieved ISO grading improvements, enhancing operational efficiency. Proven expertise in firefighting techniques and conflict resolution, fostering collaboration among first responders to ensure effective emergency response and community safety.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Fire Chief

Goshen Fire Company
12.2021 - Current
  • Oversaw efforts to continuously deliver timely and quality responses in areas of fire response and community interaction.
  • Prepared records and reports of company responses to fires or other emergencies.
  • Supported continuing operations and rehabilitation of firefighting equipment by identifying new community resources.
  • Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
  • Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
  • Directed work of [Number] firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
  • Supervised and participated in the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
  • Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
  • Supervised firehouse operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
  • Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
  • Created fire prevention events to educate general public and showcase the fire companies skils.
  • Established collaborative teams of first responders equipped to tackle various fire and emergency situations.
  • Managed staffing, recruitment, interviewing and selection of potential team members in alignment with station needs.
  • Provided clear and decisive leadership by rapidly assessing and responding to changing field conditions.
  • Responded to fire and emergency alarms and evaluated emergency to direct company operations.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Commanded squad throughout duration of active fires in order to combat fire, eliminate danger and assist those in need.
  • Coordinated interagency cooperation during large-scale incidents, ensuring efficient resource allocation and response efforts.

Assisted with training and development of new firefighters through development of extensive job-related modules.

  • Oversaw procurement processes for necessary equipment upgrades or replacements, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining operational readiness.
  • Assisted in the development of department budgets to ensure adequate funding for personnel, equipment, and training.
  • Collaborated with local community groups to promote fire safety awareness and prevention initiatives.
  • Enhanced training programs for firefighters, resulting in increased efficiency during real-life emergencies.

Division Chief of Operations

Columbia River Fire and Rescue
06.2016 - 04.2022
  • Responsible for coordination and management of (2) Fire Districts, Scappoose Rural Fire District and Columbia River Fire and Rescue.
  • Completed (2) ISO grading for the two fire districts in 2017. Completed all paperwork and demonstrations required, final result Scappoose reduced to an ISO 3 and Columbia River reduced to an ISO 4.
  • Support and manage (4) Division Chief Officers including Training, EMS, Fire Prevention, and Safety.
  • Complete all required forms, reports, and documentation for local, State and Federal agencies, NFIRS.
  • Researched, managed, and coordinated a (3) Type I/III Engine purchase for both fire districts. These apparatus replaced 20 year old equipment.
  • Managed staffing, recruitment, interviewing and selection of potential team members in alignment with station needs.
  • Provided clear and decisive leadership by rapidly assessing and responding to changing field conditions.
  • Managed staff schedules for shifts and events to minimize overtime costs.

Division Chief of Training and EMS

Columbia River Fire & Rescue
01.2014 - 06.2016
  • Prepared and documented all DPSST Training including recertification, renewal, and certification for all employees.
  • Directed and maintained Ambulance Service Agreement (ASA) between fire district and Columbia County. Provided reports and participated in inspections by Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
  • Maintained EMS response equipment, supplies, and vehicles for the fire district. Ensure compliance with local, State, and Federal requirements.
  • Developed and implemented training procedures for newly hired personnel.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
  • Established collaborative teams of first responders equipped to tackle various fire and emergency situations.

Fire Captain/Paramedic

City of Upland
03.2010 - 01.2014
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Develop Wildland and off-road driving for district utilizing Type III, IV, and VI fire apparatus.
  • Manage recruit/cadet program for the city, managed 10-12 high school aged men and women in fire department operations, activities, and related programs.
  • Assigned to support and maintain the Fire Departments Bicycle Paramedic program for special events.
  • Assigned to develop and lead all public information events for B Shift.
  • Wildland Task Force and equipment supervisor. Responsible for maintaining Wildland Type I Engine and Wildland Type V Engine as part of the San Bernardino County Foam Task Force.
  • Truck company operations
  • Understood and followed oral and written directions.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Public Safety And Emergency Management

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
01.2012

Some College (No Degree) - Fire Science And Paramedic

Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA

Some College (No Degree) - Fire Science, Training

Mohave Community College
Kingman, AZ

Skills

  • Strategic Plan development
  • Annual Budget priorities and fund sourcing
  • Customer Service
  • Team Management
  • Shift Schedule and hiring of new employees/volunteers
  • Budget management and implementation
  • Columbia County Fire Defense Chair 2017-2023
  • Supervision & Leadership
  • Data Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Planning & Organizing
  • Budget Planning and Management
  • Fire Department Procedures
  • Administration and Management
  • Staff Development and Leadership
  • Incident Safety
  • Fire Response Team Direction
  • Emergency Response
  • Firefighting Techniques Expertise
  • EMS Expertise
  • Emergency Response Procedures
  • Workload Prioritization

Certification

  • NFPA Fire Officer IV
  • NFPA Fire Instructor III
  • NWCG Strike Team/Task Force Leader
  • NWCG Division Group Supervisor
  • NWCG Incident Command Type III
  • Paramedic (1993-2015)
  • NREMT/Oregon EMT - Current
  • NFPA Course Work: Training Program Management
  • NFPA Course Work: Advanced Leadership in EMS
  • Hazardous Material Technician
  • Swiftwater Rescue Technician (1996-2015)
  • Interim Fire Chief - 2019
  • Columbia County Fire Defense/OSFM Liaison 2016-2023

Timeline

Assistant Fire Chief

Goshen Fire Company
12.2021 - Current

Division Chief of Operations

Columbia River Fire and Rescue
06.2016 - 04.2022

Division Chief of Training and EMS

Columbia River Fire & Rescue
01.2014 - 06.2016

Fire Captain/Paramedic

City of Upland
03.2010 - 01.2014

Bachelor of Science - Public Safety And Emergency Management

Grand Canyon University

Some College (No Degree) - Fire Science And Paramedic

Victor Valley College

Some College (No Degree) - Fire Science, Training

Mohave Community College