BRADLEY A. COUSER
Maple Plain,MN
Summary
Dedicated firefighter and Crew Leader with extensive experience in emergency response, fire suppression, rescue operations, and team leadership. Proven ability to perform effectively in high-pressure environments while prioritizing operational readiness, safety, and teamwork. Strong knowledge of fire service operations, training coordination, and emergency scene management. Seeking to advance to the role of Captain with the Plymouth Fire Department.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Chief
West Suburban Fire District (Formally Maple Plain Fire Department)
Loretto, MN
01.2021 - Current
- Leads activities to ensure businesses comply with local and state fire code, fire prevention, and safety.
- Managed maintenance of facilities, equipment, and apparatus.
- Organized activities/testing to ensure critical equipment and apparatus meet current NFPA standards.
- Main contributor for mentoring firefighters for continuous learning and career growth.
- Coordinated the acquisition of essential equipment and supplies.
Firefighter
Plymouth Fire Department
Plymouth, MN
05.2001 - Current
- Respond to and mitigate life-threatening emergencies through advanced firefighting, rescue, and emergency response operations
- Lead and coordinate hands-on training exercises to strengthen team readiness, operational effectiveness, and safety compliance
- Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Crew Leader during shifts, directing personnel, coordinating operations, and maintaining team readiness in high-pressure environments
President/Owner
Shirts Plus
Independence, MN
01.1990 - Current
- Manage all aspects of daily operations, including balancing financials staying within budget. Continuously ensures great customer service for a successful, long-lasting, reputable business.
- Creates, communicates and implements the organization’s vision, mission and overall direction.
- Hires, fires and manages all employees of the company.
- Leads, guides, directs and evaluates all employees, and ensures they are carrying out the daily operations of the company.
- Meets regularly with employees of the company to make sure that the decisions the organization needs to make are prescient and strategic.
- Confirms that all employees are conveying the company’s philosophies and guidelines, so they understand the expectations of the company.
- Oversees all the financials aspects of the company and maintains awareness of both external and internal opportunities for expansion, customers, markets, new industry developments and standards.
Captain/Fire Inspector
Maple Plain Fire Department
Maple Plain, MN
08.2017 - 01.2020
- Built an inspection program with protocols.
- Created and continue to maintain a pre-plan database in order to ensure safety of our firefighters.
- Scheduling, conducting, and reporting inspections for use in future incidents.
Assistant Chief
Maple Plain Fire Department
Maple Plain, MN
01.2003 - 01.2012
- Mentored firefighters for continuous learning and development increased engagement within the fire department.
- Managed maintenance of facilities, equipment, and apparatus.
- Successfully applied for multiple grants.
Lieutenant
Plymouth Fire Department
Plymouth, MN
07.2003 - 01.2006
- Lead and conduct trainings for firefighters.
- Assist in emergency events, while providing leadership and coaching for tactical skills in emergencies including fire, medical, vehicle accidents, and hazardous materials incidents.
Lieutenant/Safety Officer
Maple Plain Fire Department
Maple Plain, MN
01.1996 - 01.2003
- Implemented new policies by starting annual physicals and agility tests.
- Worked in a team environment to safely manage emergency situations.
Skills
- Coaching, leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams
- Sound decision making ability in high stress situations
- Incident reporting and documentation accuracy
- Time management and prioritization during critical incidents
- Adaptability in rapidly changing environments
- Team mentorship and personnel development
Accomplishments
- Recipient of four Life Saver Awards for exceptional emergency response efforts, including lifesaving CPR interventions, overdose response, and apartment fire rescue operations (2023–2024)
- Awarded the Unit Citation Award for consistently going above and beyond standard duties while supporting team and community operations (2024)
- Earned the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of outstanding dedication, professionalism, and service excellence (2020)
- Received the Educational Achievement Award for commitment to professional development and continued learning (2018)
Timeline
Assistant Chief
West Suburban Fire District (Formally Maple Plain Fire Department)
01.2021 - Current
Captain/Fire Inspector
Maple Plain Fire Department
08.2017 - 01.2020
Lieutenant
Plymouth Fire Department
07.2003 - 01.2006
Assistant Chief
Maple Plain Fire Department
01.2003 - 01.2012
Firefighter
Plymouth Fire Department
05.2001 - Current
Lieutenant/Safety Officer
Maple Plain Fire Department
01.1996 - 01.2003
President/Owner
Shirts Plus
01.1990 - Current