Brian Simpson
Summary
Experienced Battalion Chief with over 20 years of expertise in fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), and community risk reduction. Skilled in leading teams, incident command, labor negotiations, policy development, budgeting, and administration. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation through tech integration and strategic leadership. Strong collaborator with extensive experience in collective bargaining, incident management, and personnel development. Certified Fire Investigator, Paramedic, and Chief Fire Officer (CFO).
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Battalion Chief
Carpentersville Fire Department
01.2005 - Current
- Lead a team of lieutenants, firefighters, and paramedics in fire suppression, rescue, and EMS operations
- Serve as Incident Commander, ensuring quick and effective emergency response
- Develop and mentor team members, resulting in promotions and academic achievements
- Spearheaded five successful labor negotiations, managing collective bargaining processes from both labor and management perspectives
- Oversee EMS Division, improving patient outcomes and implementing a behavioral health emergency response program
- Manage the Fire Prevention Program, introducing process improvements to boost efficiency and effectiveness
- Supervise the Records Management Division, ensuring accuracy in NFIRS and patient care reports
- Implemented data-driven strategies for improved Staffing and Workforce Allocation, reducing overtime costs
- Actively involved in Policy and Procedure Development, creating a new policy manual using Lexipol
- Developed scheduling and coordination of shift staffing levels, changes and activities.
- Established strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses to increase engagement and support for fire department initiatives.
Project Manager - Fire Investigator (Part-Time)
National Fire Experts (Donan Engineering)
01.2022 - 10.2024
- Conducted fire origin and cause investigations for insurance and legal clients across multiple states
- Provided expert testimony in court on fire investigations, enhancing legal outcomes for clients
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
Fire Fighter / Paramedic (Part-Time)
Pingree Grove Fire Protection District
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Performed emergency medical care and fire suppression duties in a part-time capacity
Education
Ph.D. - Emergency and Protective Services
Capital Technology University
Laurel, MD05-2026
Master of Public Administration -
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL06-2023
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL03-2022
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
McHenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL12-2017
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Incident Command & Emergency Response
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Budgeting & Fiscal Management
- Community Risk Reduction
- Collective Bargaining & Labor Relations
- Fire Investigations
- Tech Integration & Process Improvement
- Incident Command
- Fire suppression
- Emergency Management
- Interagency Coordination
Affiliations
- International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
- Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
- The Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE)
- International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
- International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
- International Code Council (ICC)
Training
- Executive Fire Officer (Currently enrolled, expected graduation in 2026)
- Command and Control of Incident Operations (National Fire Academy)
- Command and Control of Natural and Manmade Disasters (National Fire Academy)
- Active Threat Integrated Response Course (Texas State University)
Certification
- Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFO) - Commission on Professional Credentialing.
- Managing Officer (MO) - National Fire Academy
- Certified Fire Investigator – International Association of Arson Investigators.
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator - National Association of Fire Investigators
- Fire Instructor 2 - Pro Board.
- Incident Safety Officer - Pro Board.
- Fire Inspector 2 - International Code Council and Pro Board.
- Executive Fire Officer (EFO) - National Fire Academy (Expected Spring 2026)
- Paramedic Certification - Illinois Department of Public Health.
- Incident Command System IS100, IS200, ICS300, ICS400, IS700, IS800 - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Timeline
Project Manager - Fire Investigator (Part-Time)
National Fire Experts (Donan Engineering)
01.2022 - 10.2024
Battalion Chief
Carpentersville Fire Department
01.2005 - Current
Fire Fighter / Paramedic (Part-Time)
Pingree Grove Fire Protection District
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFO) - Commission on Professional Credentialing.
- Managing Officer (MO) - National Fire Academy
- Certified Fire Investigator – International Association of Arson Investigators.
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator - National Association of Fire Investigators
- Fire Instructor 2 - Pro Board.
- Incident Safety Officer - Pro Board.
- Fire Inspector 2 - International Code Council and Pro Board.
- Executive Fire Officer (EFO) - National Fire Academy (Expected Spring 2026)
- Paramedic Certification - Illinois Department of Public Health.
- Incident Command System IS100, IS200, ICS300, ICS400, IS700, IS800 - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Ph.D. - Emergency and Protective Services
Capital Technology University
Master of Public Administration -
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
McHenry County College
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