Annette Ponce
Dallas,TX
Summary
Dynamic leader with 29 years of experience within a public safety agency. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that enhance public safety. Skilled communicator, adept at fostering collaboration and achieving objectives. Collaborative spirit fosters strong relationships with diverse groups, including community leaders and elected officials. Politically astute, securing resources and support to advance critical department goals. I am confident that my leadership skills, strategic vision, and political understanding will be invaluable assets to your fire department.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Public Information Manager
Orlando Fire Department
01.2022 - 11.2023
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Leveraged strong communication and analytical skills to effectively convey strategic goals and recommendations to senior management.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Collaborated effectively with Senior Leadership and City Officials, contributing to a cohesive and productive work environment.
Day Captain -Fire/Arson Investigation
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2020 - 10.2022
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Led team of 6 fire investigators.
- Coordinated, scheduled and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
- Conducted annual fire investigator written performance evaluations and implemented strategies to enhance proficiency in skills or knowledge.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews and interrogations to obtain pertinent case information.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors.
- Implemented fitness standards within Fire Investigation division that resulted in increased physical readiness among personnel.
- Improved fire investigation processes by collaborating with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.
- Prepared detailed reports on fire incidents, outlining investigation findings and potential safety recommendations.
- Presented expert testimony in legal proceedings, providing credible information on origin and cause of fires.
- Effected lawful arrests.
Shift Captain -Fire/Arson Investigation
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Provided emergency response for all fire incidents.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews with witnesses, property owners, and first responders for accurate case documentation.
- Determined fire causes by conducting thorough scene examinations and analyzing evidence.
- Enhanced public safety by collaborating with law enforcement agencies to apprehend arsonists.
- Conducted extensive research to support complex arson investigations, resulting in successful prosecutions.
- Maintained high level of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information, ensuring compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards.
- Served as an integral member of the incident command structure during large-scale events, effectively managing resources and coordinating efforts between multiple agencies.
Lieutenant- Fire/Arson Investigation
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Determined fire causes by conducting thorough scene examinations and analyzing evidence.
- Improved fire investigation processes by collaborating with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews with witnesses, property owners, and first responders for accurate case documentation.
- Recorded scene layout, damage and findings by drafting diagrams, numbering items and taking photographs.
- Effected lawful arrests.
- Provided emergency response to all fire incidents.
Lieutenant- New Construction
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Led 10 fire inspectors within New Construction Group.
- Provided expert advice on fire safety measures, assisting architects and engineers in property design stages.
- Provided compliance testing for fire protection/life safety systems.
- Established strong relationships with stakeholders such as business owners and homeowners to promote collaboration on shared safety goals.
- Collaborated with the Fire Marshal to implement and enforce comprehensive safety protocols on major construction projects to minimize fire risks.
- Managed the New Construction schedule coordinator.
- Performed Captain duties when required.
Senior Fire Prevention Officer
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Conducted thorough inspections of commercial and residential properties to identify potential fire hazards.
- Evaluated existing fire protection systems, identifying areas for improvement or replacement as needed.
- Provided compliance testing for fire protection/life safety systems.
- Monitored construction sites to ensure adherence to approved plans and proper installation of fire protection equipment.
- Educated public on fire safety, prevention and protection techniques.
Public Information Officer
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2002 - 01.2009
- Served as PIO for four consecutive Fire Chiefs, contributing to long-term communication success in the fire department.
- Gained in-depth knowledge of fire department operations through my tenured PIO role.
- Enhanced community outreach by developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
- Improved media relations for the organization, cultivating partnerships with local press outlets.
- Managed crisis communications during emergencies, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination.
- Increased public awareness of programs and initiatives through targeted marketing campaigns.
- Developed key messages and talking points for executive leadership to use in media interviews and presentations.
- Collaborated with internal departments to create consistent messaging across all platforms.
- Coordinated press conferences and media events.
- Provided strategic counsel to senior management on handling sensitive or controversial issues in the public eye.
- Set up interviews with staff members to field media requests.
- Wrote press releases, talking points and and responses to requests for information.
- Produced and distributed brochures and press kits.
Assistant to Fire Marshal
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Increased efficiency by implementing new processes and providing administrative support to management.
- Prepared PowerPoint presentations for senior-level staff with attention to detail.
- Safeguarded sensitive information through proper documentation handling, data entry, and record maintenance procedures.
- Assisted Fire Marshal in decision-making processes based on thorough research and analysis of available data.
- Worked closely with executive staff to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.
Fire Prevention Officer
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.1994 - 01.1999
- Conducted thorough inspections of commercial and residential properties to identify potential fire hazards.
- Reduced fire-related incidents by proactively addressing potential risks in buildings and facilities.
- Educated public on fire safety issues at community events, increasing overall awareness and understanding of prevention techniques.
- Collaborated with local agencies to develop and enforce effective fire codes, promoting safer environments.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
University of North Texas
Denton, TXSome College (No Degree) -
Brookhaven Community College
Dallas, TXBachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Texas A&M Commerce
Commerce, TX05.2024
Skills
- Public Speaking
- Organization and Time Management
- Cultural Awareness
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Effective Communication
- Strategic Planning
- Community Engagement
- Visionary Leadership
- Decision Making
- Team Building
- Bilingual
Certification
- Drone Part 107 Certification-2022
- State (TX) Arson Investigator Certification- 2017
- Texas Peace Officer Certification- 2016
- Master Fire Inspector Certification- 2008
- Instructor I- 2008
- State (TX) Fire Inspector Certification-1994
Technical
Microsoft Word
Power Point
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Public Information Manager
Orlando Fire Department
01.2022 - 11.2023
Day Captain -Fire/Arson Investigation
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2020 - 10.2022
Shift Captain -Fire/Arson Investigation
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2018 - 01.2020
Lieutenant- Fire/Arson Investigation
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2015 - 01.2018
Lieutenant- New Construction
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Fire Prevention Officer
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2009 - 01.2013
Public Information Officer
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.2002 - 01.2009
Assistant to Fire Marshal
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.1999 - 01.2003
Fire Prevention Officer
Dallas Fire-Rescue
01.1994 - 01.1999
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
University of North Texas
Some College (No Degree) -
Brookhaven Community College
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Texas A&M Commerce
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