Dynamic firefighter and paramedic with extensive experience at the City of Niles Fire Department, excelling in emergency response and community education. Proven leadership in training new personnel and enhancing operational efficiency. Skilled in advanced medical response and fire safety, fostering teamwork and resilience in high-pressure situations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter /Primary Care Paramedic
City of Niles Fire Department
Niles, MI
08.2000 - 09.2025
Responded to emergency calls, coordinating firefighting efforts and ensuring safety protocols.
Conducted fire prevention inspections, identifying hazards and recommending corrective actions.
Operated firefighting equipment, maintaining readiness and performing routine maintenance checks.
Trained new firefighters on operational procedures, safety practices, and equipment usage.
Led incident response teams during emergencies, implementing strategic firefighting tactics to mitigate risks.
Developed training programs focused on advanced firefighting techniques and safety measures for staff development.
Evaluated and improved departmental processes, enhancing overall response times and operational efficiency.
Collaborated with community organizations to promote fire safety awareness through educational outreach initiatives.
Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
Utilized technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.
Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
Contributed to positive outcomes during multi-agency responses by effectively collaborating with law enforcement personnel, paramedics, and other emergency service providers.
Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
Collaborated with other emergency responders on scene to establish adequate fire suppression.
Participated in post-incident analyses to identify areas for improvement in departmental policies and procedures.
Enhanced overall departmental performance by attending professional development courses and conferences, sharing acquired knowledge with colleagues upon return.
Assisted in the containment of hazardous materials spills, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
Maintained meticulous records of incident responses, ensuring accurate documentation for reporting purposes and future reference.
Strengthened interdepartmental relationships through participation in joint training exercises with neighboring fire departments.
Provided compassionate support to victims of fires or accidents through emotional reassurance and practical assistance such as finding temporary housing or connecting them with support services.
Conducted search and rescue operations during natural disasters, locating trapped individuals and providing assistance as needed.
Monitored and responded to hazardous gas levels and smoke detectors to avoid injuries and fatalities.
Provided immediate medical attention to victims at emergency scenes, ensuring swift stabilization before hospital transport.
Enhanced team communication and efficiency during emergency responses with introduction of new radio protocols.
Streamlined maintenance and readiness of firefighting equipment, ensuring optimal performance during calls.
Led team in high-risk rescues, safely evacuating individuals from hazardous environments.
Enhanced community safety by conducting regular fire safety inspections and identifying potential hazards.
Conducted thorough investigations of fire scenes to determine causes, contributing to prevention efforts.
Coordinated with local schools to conduct fire drills, ensuring students and staff were prepared for real-life emergencies.
Paramedic
Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service
Niles, MI
07.1995 - 09.2025
Administered advanced life support and emergency medical care in high-pressure situations.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes during transport.
Conducted thorough assessments to determine patients' medical needs and appropriate interventions.
Trained and mentored new paramedics on protocols, equipment usage, and best practices.
Oversaw quality assurance processes to maintain compliance with state regulations and industry standards.
Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
Delivered compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumas, strokes, and respiratory distress.
Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, treatments, and interventions.
Worked en-route to hospital to prepare patients for arrival or surgery and control wounds.
Documented patient care accurately using electronic medical records software according to regulatory guidelines for billing purposes and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
Enhanced team efficiency through clear communication and collaboration during high-pressure emergency situations.
Transferred patients safely and securely to medical facilities for continued care.
Assessed patient condition through physical and verbal exams and by collecting information from others at scene.
Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions.
Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict protocols for proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and infection control.
Identified appropriate medications based on potential interactions with other medicines, accurately calculating correct dosages according to drugs on hand and patient's weight.
Responded to daily emergencies and worked alongside firemen and EMTs.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Berrien County Sheriff's Department
St. Joesph, MI
07.1999 - 11.2002
Conducted routine patrols to ensure community safety and deter criminal activity.
Responded to emergency calls, providing timely assistance in high-stress situations.
Assisted in investigations by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Collaborated with local agencies to enhance law enforcement efforts and community relations.
Maintained accurate records of incidents, arrests, and reports for departmental use.
Participated in ongoing training to stay current with law enforcement best practices and technology advancements.
Improved communication skills by interacting with diverse populations during calls for service or community events.
Maintained accurate reports on incidents, arrests, and other activities for thorough documentation of daily tasks.
Supported federal, state, and local agencies during joint operations or mutual aid requests.
Participated in training exercises to ensure readiness for various emergency scenarios including active shooter situations or natural disasters.
Education
Associate of Science - Math, Engineering, And Sceience
Southwestern Michigan College
Dowagiac, MI
05-2024
Skills
Structural firefighting
First aid certified
Fire safety
Stress tolerance and resilience
Medical response
Medical equipment usage
Emergency response
Emergency scene management
Vehicle extrication
Firefighting activities
Emergency medical treatment
Firefighting
Leadership and supervision
Community relations
Emergency management
Search and rescue techniques
Emergency medical response
Equipment maintenance and repair
Radio communication proficiency
Fire pump operation
Fire hose deployment
Fireground communications
Apparatus inspection
Public education
Fire prevention
Emergency support
Timeline
Firefighter /Primary Care Paramedic
City of Niles Fire Department
08.2000 - 09.2025
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Berrien County Sheriff's Department
07.1999 - 11.2002
Paramedic
Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service
07.1995 - 09.2025
Associate of Science - Math, Engineering, And Sceience