Brandon Eckstein
Gas City,IN
Summary
Dynamic Fire Prevention Chief with the City of Marion Fire Department, recognized for enhancing fire safety compliance and developing comprehensive inspection reports. Adept at problem-solving and fostering teamwork, I effectively collaborated with local authorities to implement corrective measures, ensuring community safety and operational excellence. I have worked closely with local departments such as Grant County Health Department, Grant County Building Department, Marion Building and Code Enforcement and Marion Utilities on inspections of New and Existing buildings over the last 11 years. During my time of a fire investigator I worked closely with the State of Indiana Fire Marshal Office, FBI, ATF, and DEA while I worked as a Arson K9 Handler. The skills I have obtained over the last 20 years on the Fire Department will assist me with being an effective Emergency Management Specialist.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Prevention Chief
City of Marion Fire Department
Marion, IN
01.2024 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Identified issues, analyzed information, and provided solutions to problems.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies, and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Evaluated fire safety systems, ensuring adherence to local regulations and standards.
- Developed comprehensive inspection reports detailing findings and recommendations for improvements.
- Collaborated with local authorities to address fire safety concerns and implement corrective measures.
- Prepared recommendations to eliminate potential fire and safety hazards at establishments.
- Investigated fire incidents to determine cause and origin, providing critical information for legal proceedings.
- Inspected buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
- Supported fellow inspectors by sharing knowledge and expertise in specific areas of concern.
- Reviewed blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to verify structures met fire safety codes.
- Conducted follow-up site visits to check compliance with corrective actions implemented to address violations.
Gas City Council Member
City of Gas City
Gas City, IN
01.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented policies to enhance local economic development initiatives.
- Collaborated with city departments to optimize resource allocation and service delivery.
- Led strategic planning sessions to identify long-term goals for city growth and sustainability.
- Analyzed legislative proposals to assess their impact on city operations and budgetary constraints.
- Championed initiatives aimed at improving public safety and quality of life for residents.
- Promoted economic development by attracting new businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs.
- Facilitated communication between various city departments, ensuring efficient collaboration in pursuit of common goals.
- Advocated for increased funding for public safety, resulting in a decrease in crime rates within the community.
- Collaborated with fellow council members to develop and implement sound fiscal policies for the city budget.
- Improved city infrastructure through diligent oversight of public works projects.
- Used public gatherings, community events and direct relations to keep constituents happy and informed.
- Drafted legislation and amendments, wrote government policies and established budgets.
Deputy Fire Chief
City of Marion Fire Department
Marion, IN
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Led operational readiness initiatives to enhance response times and resource allocation during emergencies.
- Developed training programs for fire department personnel, improving skill sets and team performance.
- Coordinated community outreach efforts to educate the public on fire safety and prevention strategies.
- Implemented strategic planning processes to optimize departmental efficiency and service delivery models.
- Managed incident command during high-stress situations, ensuring effective communication and resource deployment.
- Analyzed departmental performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in emergency response protocols.
- Collaborated with local agencies to enhance interdepartmental coordination during large-scale emergency incidents.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels between all staff members and addressing concerns promptly.
- Coordinated fire investigation efforts alongside law enforcement agencies to determine origin, cause, and potential criminal activity related to fires within jurisdictional boundaries.
- Oversaw incident command at major emergencies, coordinating resources and communication for optimal results.
- Collaborated with local agencies to coordinate disaster response plans and resources effectively.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to improve community engagement and fire prevention efforts across the city.
- Directed emergency response operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and departmental protocols.
- Optimized resource management through effective budgeting and procurement strategies for equipment needs.
- Managed department budget effectively, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds for personnel, training, and equipment needs.
- Expanded the department''s capabilities by incorporating specialized teams such as hazardous materials response units and technical rescue squads.
- Developed successful grant proposals to secure funding for department improvements such as equipment upgrades and additional personnel.
- Optimized staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage during peak call times while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Supervised firehouse operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
- Inspected stations, uniforms and vehicles regularly for signs of maintenance needs or general professionalism.
- Checked fire suppression equipment regularly and oversaw upkeep.
- Assigned firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
Fire Investigator / K9 Handler
City of Marion Fire Department
Marion, IN
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Conducted thorough fire scene investigations to determine origin and cause of incidents.
- Analyzed physical evidence and witness statements to compile detailed reports.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to support arson investigations and prosecutions.
- Utilized advanced investigative tools, including thermal imaging cameras and forensic analysis equipment.
- Led multi-agency task forces in complex fire investigations, ensuring effective coordination and resource allocation.
- Assessed damage from fires, estimating financial losses for businesses and insurance claims processing purposes.
- Improved fire investigation processes by collaborating with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.
- Collaborated with other experts such as chemists or engineers to analyze complex fire-related evidence, ensuring comprehensive investigation processes.
- Determined fire causes by conducting thorough scene examinations and analyzing evidence.
- Identified arson cases through meticulous examination of burn patterns, debris analysis, and witness accounts.
- Identified safety concerns and documentable fire code violations in new constructions and existing structures.
- Reviewed new fire safety construction documents for extinguisher placement, exit locations and standpipe locations.
- Administered frequent fire drills to evaluate fire exits, structures and proper functioning.
- Conducted thorough fire scene investigations to determine causes and origins of fires.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence for arson cases.
- Analyzed fire patterns and incidents using advanced investigative techniques and tools.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting findings, methodologies, and recommendations for prevention.
- Developed training programs for firefighters on fire prevention strategies and investigative practices.
- Led community outreach initiatives to educate public on fire safety measures and awareness.
Firefighter
City of Marion Fire Department
Marion, IN
02.2006 - 01.2015
- Responded to emergency calls, providing rapid and effective firefighting services.
- Conducted fire safety inspections and identified potential hazards in community buildings.
- Operated firefighting equipment and tools, ensuring readiness for emergency situations.
- Collaborated with team members during drills and training exercises to enhance response efficiency.
- Led community outreach initiatives, educating residents on fire safety practices and prevention strategies.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- Responded to emergency calls, ensuring swift and effective firefighting operations.
- Operated and maintained fire suppression equipment, enhancing operational readiness.
- Trained new recruits in firefighting techniques and safety protocols, fostering a knowledgeable team.
- Led incident command during large-scale emergencies, making strategic decisions to protect lives and property.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
- Monitored and responded to hazardous gas levels and smoke detectors to avoid injuries and fatalities.
- Operated hoses, pumps, ladders and other firefighting equipment.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
- Provided station tours, pre-incident surveys and installed smoke detectors to provide fire education to public.
Corrections Officer
Grant County Sheriffs Department
Marion, IN
09.2003 - 02.2006
- Supervised inmate activities to maintain safety and security within facility.
- Conducted regular security checks to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Responded promptly to emergencies, utilizing de-escalation techniques effectively.
- Documented incidents and maintained accurate records of inmate behavior and activities.
- Trained new officers on operational procedures and safety protocols for facility management.
- Supervised inmates during all activities and transfers to monitor compliance and implement corrective actions.
- Prevented contraband introduction through diligent cell searches and visitor screenings.
- Enforced facility regulations to ensure safety and security for staff and inmates.
- Conducted regular inspections to identify potential hazards and maintain operational integrity.
- Managed inmate behavior through conflict resolution techniques and de-escalation strategies.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to coordinate inmate transfers and transportation logistics.
- Trained new officers on procedures, protocols, and effective communication methods.
- Monitored surveillance systems to ensure compliance with safety standards within the facility.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting thorough security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
- Maintained safety and security of staff and public by applying defensive techniques and physical restraints.
- Conducted pat downs and strip searches of inmates and visitors to prevent contraband from entering facility.
- Effectively interacted with staff, offenders, visitors, and public to maintain security within facility.
- Inspected condition of locks, window bars, doors and gates to prevent prisoner escapes.
- Examined incoming and outgoing mail to detect contraband.
- Routinely counted inmates and in response to potential security breaches.
- Documented prisoner identification, charges and inmate disturbance incidents.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mississinewa High School
Gas City, IN05-2003
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Dependable and responsible
- Flexible and adaptable
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Decision-making
- Organization and time management
Certification
Firefighter 1 & 2
Hazardous Material Awareness
Hazardous Material Operation
Hazardous Material Technician
Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics
Fire Officer Instructor 1
Fire Officer Instructor 2
Fire Investigator 1
PADI Scuba Diver Open Water
PADI Scuba Diver Advanced Diver
PADI Scuba Diver Night Time Diver
PADI Scuba Diver Navigation Diver
PADI Scuba Diver Ice Diver
Public Life Safety Educator 1
Public Life Safety Educator 2
NIMS 100 ICS Introduction to Incident Command System
NIMS 200 ICS Single Resources and Initial Action
NIMS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
NIMS 700 National Incident Management System
NIMS 800 National Response Framework, An Introduction
Health and Safety Officer
Techinical Rescue Awareness
Rope Rescue Operations
Rope Rescue Technician
Basic Firefighter
Certified Emergency Medical Technician Basic
LMS Course: IAC 655- Board of Firefighter Personnel
LMS Course: Post Indiana-Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment
LMS Course: START Triage
LMS Course: Suicide Prevention Training
Mandatory Firefighter
Fire Officer 1
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy 40 hour pre-basic
Timeline
Fire Prevention Chief
City of Marion Fire Department
01.2024 - Current
Gas City Council Member
City of Gas City
01.2024 - Current
Deputy Fire Chief
City of Marion Fire Department
01.2021 - 01.2024
Fire Investigator / K9 Handler
City of Marion Fire Department
01.2015 - 01.2021
Firefighter
City of Marion Fire Department
02.2006 - 01.2015
Corrections Officer
Grant County Sheriffs Department
09.2003 - 02.2006
High School Diploma -
Mississinewa High School