Chris S. Free
Cullman,Alabama
Summary
Experienced public safety officer, firefighter, and EMT with 18 years of dedicated service. Demonstrated ability to swiftly and effectively respond to emergency calls, utilizing life-saving skills. Maintains a composed demeanor in high-pressure situations, prioritizing safety protocols and exhibiting a strong sense of professionalism. Committed to thoroughly assessing each unique circumstance, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and the utmost level of care.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Fire Marshal
Center Point Fire District
09.2021 - Current
- Received and reviewed official reports and documents for completeness, accuracy and content.
- Conducted building inspections for compliance with fire codes and regulations and performed follow-up inspections when needed.
- Trained employees and firefighters in fire prevention techniques.
- Evaluated new fire protection technologies and products, recommending their implementation to enhance overall community safety.
- Advised business owners on appropriate storage methods for hazardous materials, minimizing the risk of accidental fires or explosions.
- Developed standard operating procedures for the department''s inspection process that streamlined workflows while maintaining high levels of quality assurance.
- Fostered relationships with public to support community and promote fire department engagement.
- Enhanced fire safety awareness by conducting comprehensive inspections and identifying potential hazards in various buildings.
- Assisted in the development of emergency response plans for businesses and institutions, promoting a safer environment for employees and visitors.
- Led pre-fire planning activities that helped identify vulnerabilities within structures before emergencies occurred, enabling more efficient response operations when needed.
- Conducted plan reviews for new buildings and renovations and updates to existing structures and approved or denied submissions based on compliance factors.
- Coordinated efforts with other first responders during emergencies, streamlining communication and increasing overall effectiveness of responses.
- Spearheaded public education campaigns promoting safe evacuation practices during emergencies, ultimately saving lives by fostering preparedness among citizens.
- Responded to fire, rescue and medical emergencies, engaged in fire suppression and administered medical assistance.
- Participated in multi-agency drills simulating large-scale disasters that tested inter-agency coordination and response capabilities, identifying areas for improvement.
- Implemented targeted outreach initiatives to educate community members about the importance of smoke alarms, leading to an increase in installations across households.
- Managed detailed records of inspection findings and recommendations, facilitating accurate tracking and follow-up actions for improved safety measures.
- Operated personal computer, software and systems to develop and maintain records and reports of fire inspections.
- Collaborated with local government agencies to develop and implement effective fire prevention programs, resulting in reduced incidents of fires.
- Conducted fire investigations to determine origin and cause and testified in court as expert witness.
- Conducted thorough investigations into fire-related incidents, determining cause and origin to prevent future occurrences.
- Provided timely guidance to property owners on compliance with fire codes, ensuring adherence to regulations and reducing risks associated with noncompliance.
- Served as a liaison between the Fire Marshal''s office and external stakeholders, fostering collaborative relationships that contributed to improved public safety outcomes.
- Delivered educational presentations on fire safety topics to community groups, schools, and businesses, raising public awareness and knowledge on key issues.
- Reviewed building plans for new construction projects to ensure compliance with applicable fire codes, contributing to safer communities.
- Assisted in the development of departmental budgets, aligning resources with strategic goals to maximize the impact on public safety initiatives.
- Conducted regular audits of emergency plans and procedures within various facilities, ensuring continued effectiveness and compliance with current regulations.
- Taught structured fire prevention educational programs to promote public awareness of fire safety.
- Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Made daily inspections of facilities and equipment.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
- Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- 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.
- Prepared and adjusted schedules to cover demand.
- Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
- Coordinated, scheduled and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
- Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
- Created fire prevention courses to educate general public.
Firefighter/EMT
Vinemont Providence Fire Department
01.2020 - Current
EMT
Cullman EMS
01.2020 - Current
Purchaser
Hussmann Services Corporation
01.2019 - Current
Public Safety Director/Chief of Police
Falkville Police/Fire
01.2005 - 12.2019
- Police/Fire Operations, Budgets, Polices and Procedures all administration duties for the departments
Firefighter 2006-2016 Chief of the Department
Falkville Fire & Rescue
01.2000 - 12.2019
- Fire Operations, Administration, Finance, Budgets, Polices and Procedures
Public Safety Officer
Huntsville International Airport
01.2001 - 12.2005
- General Police, Fire, and EMS duties
Education
Master Of Public Safety Administration - Business Administration
Faulkner University
Montgomery, Alabama01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Public Safety and Health Administration
Athens State University
Athens, Alabama01.2012
Associates of Science - Criminal Justice
Wallace State Community College
Hanceville, Alabama01.2008
Skills
- Incident command
- Firefighting tactics
- Fire service leadership
- Emergency management
- Fire prevention
- Hazardous materials handling
- Building inspection
- Emergency response coordination
- Fire alarm systems
- Fire apparatus operation
- Fire behavior analysis
- Hydraulic calculations
- Public education
- Fire protection engineering
- Code compliance
- Explosives recognition
- Fire investigation
- Fire scene documentation
- Arson detection
- Life safety codes
- Fire extinguisher maintenance
- Fire suppression systems
- Fire dynamics
- Firefighter training
- Fire cause determination
- Fire code enforcement
- Fire safety planning
- Fire pump testing
- Fire suppression
- Interagency coordination
- Personnel management
- Emergency response procedures
- Facility and equipment maintenance
- Fire response rescue direction
- Emergency response
- Fire inspection investigations
- Fire inspection suppression
- Staff performance evaluation
- Budget administration
- Fire response team direction
- Fire department procedures
- Fire strategy
- Firefighting procedures
- Staff development and leadership
- Supply procurement
- Firefighting operations
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Emergency medical treatment
- Workload prioritization
- Physical fitness
- Site inspections
- Task prioritization
- Worker training
- Safety management
- Equipment operation
- Self motivation
- Interpersonal skills
- Public safety
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- CPR certified
- Goal setting
- Risk assessment
- Professionalism
- Incident reporting
- Interpersonal communication
- Operational procedures
- Public speaking
- Strategic planning
- Staff training
- Record keeping
- Fire department maintenance
- Preventive Maintenance
- Time management abilities
- Adaptability
- Emergency planning
- Policy enforcement
Accomplishments
Life Saving Award
CPR Instructor
Distinguished Service Award
EMT of the Year
Firefighter of the Year
Chief officer award
Department of the year award
FBI Instructor
Firefighter Instructor
Adjunct Instructor for Faulkner University
Public Safety Educator
IT proficient MS365 manager
Affiliations
Masonic lodge 396
VP for central district Alabama Fire Marshal Association.
Fraternal Order of Police
Alabama Police Chiefs Association
International Association Arson Investigators
National Fire Marshal Association
Certified Fire Investigators Association
International Fire Council
National Fire Protection Association
National Occupational Health Association
National Firefighters Association
American Heart Association
Certification
Alabama Professional Firefighters
Alabama Peace Officer
National Registered Emergency Medical Technician
Hazmat awareness
Hazmat Technician
Hazmat Operations
Public Safety Educator
Fire and explosion Investigator
Fire Inspector I/II
Live Fire Instructor officer in Charge
NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800
National Fire Information Management
EPA
Rope Rescue
Trench Rescue
Confined Space Rescue
Incident Management
FBI Hostage Negotiator
FBI Interview and Interrogations
OSSH Compliance
Timeline
Deputy Fire Marshal
Center Point Fire District
09.2021 - Current
Firefighter/EMT
Vinemont Providence Fire Department
01.2020 - Current
EMT
Cullman EMS
01.2020 - Current
Purchaser
Hussmann Services Corporation
01.2019 - Current
Public Safety Director/Chief of Police
Falkville Police/Fire
01.2005 - 12.2019
Public Safety Officer
Huntsville International Airport
01.2001 - 12.2005
Firefighter 2006-2016 Chief of the Department
Falkville Fire & Rescue
01.2000 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Public Safety and Health Administration
Athens State University
Associates of Science - Criminal Justice
Wallace State Community College
Master Of Public Safety Administration - Business Administration
Faulkner University
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