Christine Friend
Sprague River,OR
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional committed to excellence, with a proven track record in risk assessment, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Extensive experience in wildland and structure firefighting operations demonstrates the ability to leverage teamwork and strategic thinking for effective emergency management while prioritizing safety for lives and property. Completed FEMA ICS classes (100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800) and NFA online courses in Community Risk Reduction and Community Risk Assessment. Currently enrolled in CWMBP and actively pursuing additional training to enhance expertise in this critical field.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Firefighter/EMT-B
Chiloquin Fire & Rescue
2024.09 - Current
- Enhanced public safety through wildfire prevention and preparedness education programs.
- Developed and implemented community-focused fire prevention strategies to increase awareness and engagement.
- Maintained professionalism during prescribed burns and emergency interactions with the public.
- Evaluated wildfire risks and implemented proactive mitigation measures to protect communities and ecosystems.
- Assessed fire scenes post-containment to identify and extinguish hot spots.
- Responded promptly to fire emergencies, conducting rapid assessments and ensuring safe, effective action.
- Established water supplies, connected hoses, and directed water streams onto active fires.
- Constructed fire lines by cutting and clearing brush and digging trenches using hand tools and chainsaws.
- Performed inspection and maintenance of water tanks, fire hoses, and firefighting equipment to ensure operational readiness.
- Collaborated with a team of over 40 volunteers and staff to enhance operational efficiency.
Fire Chief
Klamath County Fire District #3
2016.07 - 2024.08
- Managed departmental budget, prioritizing critical equipment purchases and maintenance while upholding safety standards.
- Directed emergency response operations and supervised incident command functions to ensure effective coordination and resource allocation.
- Assessed emergency scenes, conducted structure preparation and triage, and communicated critical information to partner agencies.
- Collaborated with neighboring departments and local agencies to ensure seamless interoperability during large-scale incidents.
- Implemented training programs to strengthen team capabilities, operational readiness, and overall firefighting effectiveness.
- Developed and advanced strategic fire prevention initiatives to enhance community safety.
- Promoted public trust through transparency, active community engagement, and accountability across staff.
- Managed twenty-two volunteers and paid staff daily.
- Drove revenue growth through strategic ambulance service enhancements.
Dispatch Executive
All American Broker Carrier Associated, Inc
2018.02 - 2023.08
- Streamlined dispatch operations through improved scheduling and route planning strategies to increase efficiency and reliability.
- Supported the sales team by providing timely capacity updates and assisting with pricing strategy development.
- Identified opportunities to expand the client base and enhance existing services, contributing to business growth.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with clients and carriers to ensure smooth coordination, particularly during peak demand periods.
- Managed customer accounts, including invoicing and ongoing account support.
- Drove sales growth exceeding 10% through strategic initiatives.
Woman-Owned Business Owner
Friend's Express, LLC
2008.06 - 2018.01
- Built and maintained strong client relationships, generating repeat business and referrals.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and recommend optimal solutions.
- Fostered positive customer interactions to strengthen connections and long-term loyalty.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure accurate, efficient task completion and high service standards.
- Managed service delivery processes to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Mentored staff on customer service and sales best practices, improving overall performance.
- Directed budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation to ensure sound fiscal oversight.
- Directed operations to enhance growth and visibility as a woman-owned business leader.
- Oversaw management of over 50 daily calls to ensure effective communication.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong time management skills.
- Adaptable, quick learner with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Managed a team of fifteen employees on a daily basis to maintain high performance standards.
Firefighter
Klamath County Fire District #3
2002.04 - 2016.07
- Assessed post-containment areas to identify and extinguish hot spots.
- Deployed, connected, and operated hoses and nozzles to direct water streams during active fire suppression.
- Executed controlled burns to reduce wildfire risk and limit fire spread in wildland areas.
- Coordinated closely with dispatch to exchange critical information on incidents, equipment movement, and personnel status.
- Collaborated with firefighting teams to implement effective strategies, minimizing property damage and loss of life.
- Conducted fire drills and trained new recruits in the proper use of firefighting equipment.
- Provided compassionate assistance to fire and accident victims, offering emotional reassurance and practical support, including connecting individuals with temporary housing and community resources.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ06.2008
High School Diploma -
Coleville High School
Coleville, CA06.1982
Skills
- Effective Communication and Active Listener
- Strategic Problem Solver
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Organizational Skills
- Task Prioritization
- Decision and Critical decision-making skills
- Self Motivated and Driven
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teamwork and Collaborative Mindset
- Committed to Service
- Environmental awareness
- Wildfire Mitigation
Accomplishments
- Implemented defensible space, fuel reduction, and wildfire preparedness initiatives to reduce risk to life, property, and natural resources.
- Conducted wildfire risk assessments and applied mitigation strategies aligned with state and local resilience objectives.
- Performed post-incident evaluations to identify residual hazards and inform future mitigation planning.
- Supported execution of fire prevention policies, operational procedures, and risk reduction programs to ensure regulatory alignment and community safety.
- Leveraged grant funding to expand mitigation staffing, equipment capacity, and program delivery.
- Strengthened workforce readiness through structured training and standards-based operational practices.
- Coordinated with local, regional, and partner agencies to advance cohesive wildfire mitigation and response strategies.
- Engaged landowners and community members to increase compliance with mitigation standards and participation in risk reduction programs.
- Maintained transparency and accountability to build public trust in fire prevention initiatives.
- Supported incident command functions, resource coordination, and emergency scene assessments.
- Executed controlled burns and fuel treatment activities to reduce wildfire intensity and spread potential.
- Ensured operational readiness through equipment oversight and adherence to safety protocols.
Certification
- NWCG S-130
- NWCG S-190
- NIMS 100
- NIMS 200
- NIMS 300
- NIMS 400
- NIMS 700
- NIMS 800
- EMT - Certified Emergency Medical Technician
- EVOC - Emergency Vehicle Operators Course
- FFT1
- FFT2
Timeline
Firefighter/EMT-B
Chiloquin Fire & Rescue
2024.09 - Current
Dispatch Executive
All American Broker Carrier Associated, Inc
2018.02 - 2023.08
Fire Chief
Klamath County Fire District #3
2016.07 - 2024.08
Woman-Owned Business Owner
Friend's Express, LLC
2008.06 - 2018.01
Firefighter
Klamath County Fire District #3
2002.04 - 2016.07
High School Diploma -
Coleville High School
Associate of Arts - Business Management
University of Phoenix