BRIAN DEWATERS
Canandaigua,NY
Summary
Dedicated Firefighter/EMT and HAZMAT Specialist equipped with comprehensive experience in emergency management. Expertise in training diverse teams, conducting safety inspections, and executing high-stakes operations in hazardous environments. Committed to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness within community and team settings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter
North Tonawanda Fire Department
North Tonawanda, New York
10.2025 - Current
- Responded to emergency calls and performed life-saving techniques on-site.
- Operated firefighting equipment and tools during emergency situations.
- Conducted fire inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Assisted in the maintenance and repair of firefighting vehicles.
- Educated the community on fire prevention and safety practices.
- Prepared reports detailing incidents and actions taken during emergencies.
- Participated in public outreach events to promote fire safety awareness.
- Communicated effectively with crew members while performing tasks under stressful conditions.
Firefighter/EMT
Fishers Fire District
Victor, NY
03.2024 - 10.2025
- Delivered emergency medical care in field under high-stress conditions to stabilize patients.
- Responded to emergency calls for various types of fires, accidents, and medical emergencies.
- Responded to emergency and routine alarms alongside firefighting team members.
- Engaged in regular training sessions to enhance knowledge of firefighting techniques and safety procedures, ensuring readiness for emergencies.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and other emergency responders during incidents.
- Coordinated personnel, managed crowd control, and directed traffic at emergency scenes to maintain safety and order.
- Inspected and completed routine maintenance on fire equipment, power tools, portable fire extinguishers and apparatus.
- Prepared incident reports and documentation utilizing departmental computers.
- Maintained level of physical fitness required to carry out firefighting duties.
Recruitment Division
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
, NY
01.2022 - 10.2025
- Coordinated recruitment events, including career fairs and campus visits, to attract qualified candidates.
- Engaged in local job fairs and recruitment events, promoting opportunities to prospective hires.
- Advised management on organizing, preparing or implementing recruiting or retention programs.
- Contributed to special projects aimed at enhancing recruitment processes and developing employer branding initiatives.
- Explained job duties, compensation and benefits to potential candidates.
- Interpreted and explained human resources policies, procedures or regulations.
- Provided information and tips to members of the public pursuing a career in corrections.
Underwater Search and Recovery Team Diver
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
, NY
01.2021 - 10.2025
- Executed search-and-recovery operations in hazardous environments, prioritizing diver safety and operational efficiency.
- Recovered items by rigging sunken objects and operating winches to ensure successful retrieval.
- Retrieved vehicles, weapons and human remains from watery areas.
- Assessed diving equipment for proper functionality before dive to minimize mishaps.
- Evaluated dive site for potential hazards to ensure diver safety.
- Achieved targets and prevented injuries by maintaining high level of composure in stressful situations and during intense dives.
- Certified as a Diver by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Participates in regular trainings, practices and emergency call outs.
- Studied dive plan, routine and emergency procedures and explained assignment details to fellow divers.
- Reported dive issues, equipment malfunctions and medical problems to supervisor after dives.
- Maintained detailed records of all dives including depths reached and duration.
- Transported essential supplies to offshore sites via boat, ensuring timely support for ongoing operations.
NYDCJS Certified Instructor
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
, NY
01.2019 - 10.2025
- Developed new trainings on Gangs and Security Threat Groups and trained officers in multiple agencies on the topic.
- In April of 2021 I developed and instructed a course on Security Threat Groups for the Seneca County Basic Corrections Academy.
- In March of 2022, received certification as a Police Defensive Tactics Instructor from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
- In April of 2023 I received certification as a Grenadier/Less Lethal Weapons Instructor at the New York Tactical Officers Association Conference.
- In July of 2023 I received certification as an instructor for the Sabre .68 Caliber Launcher by Sabre Defense Industries I have since trained all members of the Emergency Response Team to operate this piece of equipment.
- STOP THE BLEED Instructor since 2019.
- First Aid and CPR Instructor.
- Conducted on-the-job training classes and demonstrated principles, techniques, procedures and methods of diverse subjects.
- Provided instruction in legal aspects of law enforcement such as search and seizure, use of force, arrest procedures, evidence collection, and criminal investigation techniques.
- Designed and supervised practical exercises to demonstrate how to handle a variety of law enforcement scenarios.
- Worked closely with supervisors from different departments within a law enforcement agency in order to coordinate training initiatives.
- Created course materials such as PowerPoint presentations, handouts and videos for use during class time or independent study.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills when interacting with students during lectures or practice drills.
- Used simulation systems to create realistic training experiences for law enforcement officers.
- Assessed the physical fitness levels of new recruits by administering standardized tests such as push-ups, sit-ups, running.
- Trained several officers in both corrections and road patrol divisions in general topics.
- Participated in meetings with department heads regarding budget allocations for future training programs.
Emergency Response Team
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
, NY
01.2019 - 10.2025
- Has participated in all ERT activations including extractions, large scale facility shakedowns, high-risk transports of incarcerated individuals, concert security and large-scale inmate disturbances.
- Created reality-based scenario training for ERT members and devised strategies for safe high-risk inmate transports.
- Certified in air transport of incarcerated individuals.
- Subdued resisting subjects with defensive tactics and approved nonlethal weapons.
- Responded to emergency calls for combative subjects, suicidal subjects and medical emergencies.
- Diffused active disturbances with de-escalation techniques, compassion and combat skills.
- Executed law enforcement patrol functions in assigned locations for extended periods of time.
- Conducted tactical operations in high-risk environments.
- Managed hazardous materials incidents with attention to safety protocols.
- Trained and mentored team members, identifying skills and opportunities for development to enhance overall team effectiveness.
- Engaged in drills that tested response times and preparedness levels.
- Practiced regularly to maintain proficiency with firearms and various weapons systems.
- Collaborated with team members on mission planning initiatives.
- Coordinated traffic direction at large events to ensure safety and order.
- Managed surveillance of individuals, specific properties and events.
- Provided security for special events.
- Responded promptly to activated alarms and emergency calls.
- Developed the team by implementing measures to ensure safety for staff and incarcerated individuals.
Court Security Division
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
, NY
01.2018 - 10.2025
- Responsible for ensuring public safety and security for the Ontario County Courthouse, City of Geneva Courthouse, Canandaigua City Courthouse, Board of Supervisor meetings and Grand Jury meetings.
- Provided protection for judges, attorneys, jurors, witnesses and other court staff.
- Screened visitors by checking identification, enforcing item rules and scanning bags.
- Verified identity and credentials of visitors entering the courthouse.
- Monitored surveillance cameras located around the perimeter of the courthouse grounds.
- Investigated suspicious activities or persons on court property.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement to implement effective courthouse security measures.
- De-escalated conflicts between parties in potentially dangerous situations, maintaining courtroom safety.
- Maintained order during courtroom proceedings and ensured no disturbances occurred.
- Responded quickly to emergency calls from within the court facility.
- Worked alone or with team members to resolve instances involving threats to human life.
- Documented all incidents on site through detailed reports, enhancing security response protocols.
- Coordinated with other officers and court staff to call cases promptly.
- Attended meetings with judicial staff to discuss security needs and concerns.
- Managed evidence and exhibits during court proceedings to ensure proper handling and documentation. during court proceedings.
Certified Field Training Officer
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
, NY
01.2018 - 10.2025
- Has trained several officers in new and specialized posts including transports and court security.
- Trained multiple new recruits, contributing to high retention rates.
- Used role-playing, lectures, and simulations to present information in a variety of instructional techniques and formats.
- Maintained strong knowledge of Corrections and Court Security by participating in workshops, conferences and online education classes.
- Mentored employees to bridge skill gaps and enhance performance.
- Reviewed operational documents such as Standard Operating Procedures prior to implementation by trainees in order to ensure accuracy.
- Evaluated employee performance during exercises and drills to identify areas needing improvement or additional training.
- Modified teaching strategies to customize lesson plans for different student needs.
- Identified potential problems that may arise due to a lack of knowledge or experience among trainees prior to their deployment in the field environment.
- Instructed trainees on proper techniques for handling hazardous materials safely.
- Created written Daily Observation Reports to track progress and any potential concerns.
- Assisted during emergency situations involving inexperienced personnel.
- Advised command staff on necessary changes to training program based on trainee feedback.
Security Threat Unit
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
, NY
01.2018 - 10.2025
- Compiled and analyzed intelligence on gang members and activities, supporting targeted interventions and operational planning.
- Responsible for tracking and monitoring all potential gang activity or members in the facility.
- Created and distributed officer safety bulletins and intelligence briefs, enhancing situational awareness for staff and law enforcement agencies statewide.
- Monitored social media for gang intelligence and threats to law enforcement and public officials.
- Interviews and validates any suspected Security Threat Group members.
- Acted as field intelligence officer for New York State Intelligence Center, gathering actionable intelligence. for New York State Intelligence Center since 2018.
- Collaborated as a member of East Coast Gang Investigators Association on gang investigations. since 2018.
- Assessed threats from individuals under investigation, informing strategic decisions on resource allocation and response.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies on criminal investigations.
- Prepared detailed reports and affidavits for courts by obtaining information through physical surveillance and thorough investigations.
- Conducted background investigations for personnel security clearances.
- Managed crime scene investigations by collecting evidence, performing fingerprinting and taking videos and photos of scenes.
- Followed up on leads obtained through interviews or other sources.
- Maintained contacts with informants who provided valuable leads in cases.
- Analyzed data gathered during investigations to determine the validity of claims or theories.
- Reported results of investigations with written observations and photographs, and produced final reports.
- Interviewed subjects, targets and witnesses for information verification and corroboration.
- Managed surveillance of specific individuals.
- Testified in court cases to back up case evidence and detail time lines.
- Provided expert testimony in court concerning investigation findings.
- Testified under oath in administrative hearings and criminal court cases.
Corrections Deputy
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
, NY
09.2015 - 10.2025
- Implemented defensive tactics and physical restraints to maintain safety and security of correctional facility.
- Responded promptly to any emergency situations or disturbances that arose.
- Detected potential threats and quickly defused conflicts.
- Intervened in conflicts between inmates in a timely manner while following established protocol.
- Inspected locks, window bars, doors, and security systems to support escape prevention.
- Conducted searches for contraband and weapons.
- Conducted fire, safety and sanitation inspections.
- Coordinated with medical staff to provide necessary care to inmates.
- Transported inmates to and from medical and dental appointments, funerals, work details and court hearings.
- Counseled inmates and responded to legitimate questions, concerns and requests.
- Developed positive relationships with both staff members and inmates through effective communication skills.
- Processed inmate intake and re-assignment by completing paperwork, conducting searches and recording fingerprints.
- Interviewed inmates upon intake into the facility to assess their needs and risk factors.
- Implemented disciplinary measures for inmate behavior to ensure compliance with facility rules.
- Monitored daily activities to detect and address suspicious behavior and conflicts, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Reported to supervisors on inmate work performance, disturbances, and rule violations to support effective facility management.
- Participated in regular meetings with other corrections staff members to discuss issues related to safety, security, and inmate management.
- Coordinated inmate activities to enhance learning and skill development for successful reintegration post-incarceration.
- Conducted investigations of crimes committed within the facility.
Education
Certification - NYS 229 Firefighter Recruit Program -
Utica Fire Academy
Utica, NY06-2024
Emergency Medical Technician Certification -
Finger Lakes Regional EMS Council
12-2023
NYS D.C.J.S. Correctional Officer Basic Academy -
Seneca County Law Enforcement Center
Romulus, NY03-2015
Associates Degree - Criminal Justice
Monroe Community College
Rochester, NY01-2014
Skills
- Emergency response
- Emergency medical care
- Equipment maintenance
- Problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Instructing and mentoring
- Team leadership
- Self-motivated
Activities And Hobbies
- Jiu Jitsu
- Hiking
- Cooking
- Camping
- Competitive Weightlifting
Commendations And Certifications
- Ontario County Sheriff's Office - Corrections Officer of the Year 2020
- Ontario County Sheriff's Office- Officer of the Month August 2016 and December 2020
- Pennsylvania State Police- Letter of Commendation 2020
- Tactical First Aid Certificate
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Stop the Bleed Instructor Certificate
- Interview and Interrogation 101 Certificate
- Street Gang Investigation Certificate
- NYS Certified EMT
- NYS Certified 229 Firefighter
- National Firefighter 1 and 2 Certificate
- NYS HAZ-MAT Levels 1,2,3,4,5
- NYS Building Safety Inspector
Timeline
Firefighter
North Tonawanda Fire Department
10.2025 - Current
Firefighter/EMT
Fishers Fire District
03.2024 - 10.2025
Recruitment Division
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
01.2022 - 10.2025
Underwater Search and Recovery Team Diver
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
01.2021 - 10.2025
NYDCJS Certified Instructor
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
01.2019 - 10.2025
Emergency Response Team
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
01.2019 - 10.2025
Court Security Division
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
01.2018 - 10.2025
Certified Field Training Officer
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
01.2018 - 10.2025
Security Threat Unit
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
01.2018 - 10.2025
Corrections Deputy
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
09.2015 - 10.2025
Certification - NYS 229 Firefighter Recruit Program -
Utica Fire Academy
Emergency Medical Technician Certification -
Finger Lakes Regional EMS Council
NYS D.C.J.S. Correctional Officer Basic Academy -
Seneca County Law Enforcement Center
Associates Degree - Criminal Justice
Monroe Community College