BRIAN PORTER
Bourbonnais,IL
Summary
Fire service leader with over 20 years of experience in fire, EMS, and emergency management. Experienced in emergency operations, department administration, budgeting, labor relations, training, fire investigation, and community outreach. Committed to developing personnel, building strong relationships, and providing professional service to the community.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Fire Chief
Village of Bradley
Bradley
06.2025 - Current
- Direct emergency response operations and provide incident command to ensure safe, coordinated, and effective emergency operations.
- Develop and oversee department training programs to improve firefighter skills, operational readiness, and compliance with state and national standards.
- Oversee EMS operations, billing, technology, policy development, and other administrative functions that support the daily operation of the department.
- Prepare and manage departmental budgets, pursue grant opportunities, and allocate resources to meet operational needs.
- Oversee fire prevention, public education, inspections, and community outreach programs to improve public safety and strengthen community relationships.
- Work closely with union leadership to address employee concerns, interpret the labor agreement, resolve issues, and maintain positive labor-management relationships.
- Participate in collective bargaining, contract administration, policy development, and disciplinary matters while balancing the needs of the department and its employees.
- Help foster strong working relationships with community members, community partners, neighboring fire departments, elected officials, and other local agencies.
Lieutenant / Paramedic
City of Kankakee
09.2008 - Current
- Supervised firefighters to ensure safe and efficient shift operations.
- Assumed Captain's duties during absence to maintain operational continuity. when needed and assist with daily operations.
- Filled in for the Captain and assisted with daily operations.
- Assisted with fire inspections, public education, and community outreach initiatives.
- Conduct fire investigations as a certified Fire Investigator.
- Assist with fire inspections, public education, and community outreach.
Firefighter / Paramedic
Bourbonnais Fire Protection District
Bourbonnais, IL
05.2010 - 10.2020
Sergeant / Combat Medic
United States Army National Guard
03.2011 - 07.2018
- Led and supervised soldiers in training and operational assignments.
- Provided emergency medical care and maintained medical readiness.
- Trained and mentored junior soldiers.
Firefighter / EMT-B
Village of Bradley
09.2005 - 09.2008
Education
Bachelors of Public Safety Management - Science
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL01-2017
Masters in Public Safety and Homeland Security Administration - Science
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL01-2018
Skills
- Incident Command
- Incident command operations
- Fire Investigation
- Budget Management
- Strategic Planning
- Policy Development
- Labor Relations
- Collective Bargaining
- Personnel Management
- Training & Employee Development
- Community Relations
- Community engagement
Affiliations
- Illinois Fire Chiefs Association
- Kankakee County Fire Chiefs Association
- Kankakee Firefighters' Pension Board
- Illinois Associated Firefighters Honor Guard
- Illinois Swimming, Inc. – Board Member
- Olivet Nazarene University Swimming – Coach
- Great Illinois Swimmers – Coach
Timeline
Deputy Fire Chief
Village of Bradley
06.2025 - Current
Sergeant / Combat Medic
United States Army National Guard
03.2011 - 07.2018
Firefighter / Paramedic
Bourbonnais Fire Protection District
05.2010 - 10.2020
Lieutenant / Paramedic
City of Kankakee
09.2008 - Current
Firefighter / EMT-B
Village of Bradley
09.2005 - 09.2008
Bachelors of Public Safety Management - Science
Southern Illinois University
Masters in Public Safety and Homeland Security Administration - Science
Southern Illinois University
Training
- Advanced Firefighter
- Advanced Fire Officer
- Fire Apparatus Engineer
- Fire Service Instructor II
- Fire Investigator / Arson Investigator
- Fire Inspector II
- Blue Card Incident Command
- Incident Safety Officer
- Hazardous Materials Operations
- NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800