Brandon Sonnier
Centreville,Alabama
Summary
To serve as Fire Lieutenant by applying twenty years of fire service experience, proven leadership abilities, advanced technical expertise, and a commitment to firefighter development, operational excellence, and public safety. Dedicated to fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, training, and safety while supporting the mission and values of Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue.
Highly accomplished fire service professional with 20 years of experience in emergency services, including 14 years as an Apparatus Operator with Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue. Recipient of the Firefighter of the Year Award and two Unit Commendations, recognized for exceptional service, leadership, and operational excellence. Current member of the Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team with extensive experience in hazardous materials response, technical rescue operations, firefighter safety, and personnel development. Proven instructor, mentor, and program developer who developed the department’s newly promoted Apparatus Operator training program and has delivered department-wide training courses. Seeking promotion to Fire Lieutenant to utilize extensive operational experience, leadership abilities, and commitment to firefighter development and public service.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Apparatus Operator
Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
01.2012 - Current
- Operate and maintain pumper and aerial apparatus during emergency and non-emergency operations.
- Respond to structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
- Serve as a senior member of assigned companies, providing mentorship and guidance to firefighters and newly promoted operators.
- Assist company officers with incident management, personnel accountability, and tactical decision-making.
- Ensure operational readiness through apparatus inspections, equipment maintenance, and training coordination.
- Promote firefighter safety through adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and risk management practices.
- Participate in pre-incident planning and community risk reduction initiatives.
- Contribute to company and departmental training efforts to improve operational effectiveness.
Firefighter
Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Established expertise in fireground operations, emergency response, and equipment deployment to enhance team readiness.
- Executed fire suppression, rescue, EMS, and public service duties, ensuring community safety and effective emergency response.
- Participated in fire prevention initiatives and community education events.
Skills
- Emergency Medical Response
- Incident Management
- Hazardous Materials Response
- Technical Rescue Operations
- Operational Planning
- Operational Leadership
- Personnel Accountability
- Crew development
- Training delivery
- Tactical Decision-Making
- Cross-Agency Collaboration
- Communication and Team Building
- Communication and Team Building
Certification
- Firefighter I & II
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Hazardous Materials Incident Command
- Crude by Rail Emergency Response Training – Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC), Pueblo, Colorado
- Apparatus Operator – Pumper
- Apparatus Operator – Aerial
- Fire Instructor I
- Fire Officer I
- Fire Department Safety Officer / Incident Safety Officer
- Rescue Technician Rope Rescue I
- Rescue Technician Rope Rescue II
- Rescue Technician Confined Space I
- Rescue Technician Confined Space II
Awards
- Firefighter of the Year, Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, Recognized for outstanding performance, professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the department and community.
- Unit Commendation Award (Two Awards), Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, Awarded for exemplary performance and teamwork during significant emergency incidents. Recognized for actions that contributed to successful incident outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of service and firefighter safety.
Special Team Assignments
- Firefighter of the Year, Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, Recognized for outstanding performance, professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the department and community.
- Unit Commendation Award (Two Awards), Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, Awarded for exemplary performance and teamwork during significant emergency incidents. Recognized for actions that contributed to successful incident outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of service and firefighter safety.
Leadership And Professional Contributions
- Firefighter of the Year, Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, Recognized for outstanding performance, professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the department and community.
- Unit Commendation Award (Two Awards), Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, Awarded for exemplary performance and teamwork during significant emergency incidents. Recognized for actions that contributed to successful incident outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of service and firefighter safety.
Timeline
Apparatus Operator
Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
01.2012 - Current
Firefighter
Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
01.2006 - 01.2012