Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Christian Thomas

Elburn,IL

Summary

I am a confident , reliable, self-motivated, responsible and hard-working person. I am a highly trained individual with great mechanical aptitude and a mature team worker that is adaptable to all challenging situations. I am able to work well in both a team environment, as well as using my own initiative. I handle issues quickly and resolve conflicts successfully. I am able to think quickly under pressure and remain calm in stressful situations.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Firefighter/Paramedic

City Of St. Charles
07.2004 - Current
  • Fire Prevention Bureau (2017-2018). Enhanced community safety by conducting thorough building inspections and identifying potential fire hazards. Was reasonable for 122 High-risk quarterly Fire Inspections. Conducted Complaint Inspections. Inspected fire and life safety systems and equipment for proper placement at properties. Inspected alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for operational use. Maintained meticulous records of occupancy inspections, ensuring accurate documentation for reporting purposes and future reference.
  • Fire Investigations Deputy Team Leader 10+ years. Contributed to fire investigation reports and provided testimony in court. Provided compassionate support to victims of fires or accidents through emotional reassurance and practical assistance such as connecting them with support services.
  • Water Rescue/Dive Deputy Team Leader 10+ years Strengthened interdepartmental relationships through participation in joint training exercises with neighboring fire departments.
  • Public Education Team 10+ years (Fire Extinguisher classes, Annual Open House Organizer, Annual School Programs, Elderly Safety Programs) Educated the local community on fire safety practices, 7-12 school presentations per year, 15-30 Fire Extinguisher classes for local businesses per year, and other public venues. Provided station tours, pre-incident surveys and installed smoke detectors to provide fire education to public. Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
  • Honor Guard Team 10+ years
  • Training Team 19+ years. Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage. Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
  • Strategic Planning Committee. Developed and executed strategic plans to guide the organization towards its long-term goals. Participated in identify areas for improvement in departmental policies and procedures.
  • Carried out Company fire inspections to identify fire hazards and recommend corrective measures. 30-40 a month

Fire Commissioner

Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District
07.2018 - Current
  • Improved interdepartmental communication by establishing clear channels and promoting collaboration.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans to guide the organization towards its long-term goals.
  • Monitored compliance with legal requirements, minimizing potential liabilities for the organization.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Fox Valley Sprinkler
01.2014 - 11.2014
  • Enhanced safety by installing and maintaining fire sprinkler systems in various commercial and residential properties.
  • Reduced the risk of fire damage by performing regular inspections and maintenance on fire sprinkler systems.
  • Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal codes by conducting thorough system testing and generating detailed reports.

Firefighter/Paramedic

Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District
08.2002 - 07.2004
  • Enhanced community safety by conducting thorough building inspections and identifying potential fire hazards.
  • Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
  • Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
  • Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
  • Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
  • Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
  • Assisted in prevention of fires through public education programs.
  • Conducted fire drills and trained new recruits in use of firefighting equipment.
  • Inspected alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for operational use to minimize incidents.
  • Inspected fire and life safety systems and equipment for proper placement at properties.

Firefighter/Paramedic

North Aurora Fire Dept
01.1995 - 07.2005
  • Enhanced community safety by conducting thorough building inspections and identifying potential fire hazards.
  • Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
  • Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
  • Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
  • Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
  • Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
  • Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.

Education

High School Diploma -

Lake Park High School
Roselle, IL
05.1989

Fire Science

University of Illinois (IFSI)
Champaign, IL

Certified Fire Investigator

College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL

Skills

  • Fire Inspections
  • Fire Investigations
  • Fire Prevention
  • Public Education
  • Building Construction
  • Attention to Detail
  • Decision Making
  • Problem Solving
  • Conflict Resolution

Accomplishments

I was the lead Fire Investigator for the Pheasant Run Resort fire. I led a team of Fire Investigators from the St.Charles Fire Department, State Fire Marshall K9s, and Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in a three month Fire Investigation, that with the assistance of my Cause & Origin report, resulted in the arrest and conviction of two individuals for Arson.

Certification

Current and valid State of Illinois Driver Licenses

Certified Paramedic

Certified Hazardous Material Awareness

Certified Hazardous Material Operations

Certified Fire Apparatus Engineer

Certified Fire Service Instructor I

Certified Fire Service Instructor II

Certified Trench Operations

Certified Youth Fire setter Intervention Specialist

Certified Fire Investigator

Certified Fire Inspector I

Certified Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I

Certified Fire Officer I

Certified Basic Fire Prevention Officer

Certified Consumer & Outdoor Fireworks Permit Training


Certified Swift Water Technician

Certified ERD 1 Diver Technician

Certified ERD Ice Driver Technician







Timeline

Fire Commissioner

Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District
07.2018 - Current

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Fox Valley Sprinkler
01.2014 - 11.2014

Firefighter/Paramedic

City Of St. Charles
07.2004 - Current

Firefighter/Paramedic

Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District
08.2002 - 07.2004

Firefighter/Paramedic

North Aurora Fire Dept
01.1995 - 07.2005

High School Diploma -

Lake Park High School

Fire Science

University of Illinois (IFSI)

Certified Fire Investigator

College of DuPage
Christian Thomas