David Schaefer
Parrish
Summary
Results-driven Captain with extensive experience in emergency medical services and fire suppression. Proven expertise in command and control, personnel training, and strategic decision-making. Strong leadership abilities coupled with a commitment to safety and team collaboration.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Captain, Rescue Division (Administration)
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
01.2024 - Current
- Acting District Chief.
- Managed EMS Equipment and Logistics, enhancing operational efficiency and resource allocation.
- Directed St. Petersburg Fire Rescue’s Paramedic Training Program.
- Increased Paramedic first-time success rate at the Medical Director's Capstone Testing to near 100%.
- Coordinated over 300 special events annually, ensuring successful execution and safety standards.
- Assumed the roles of both Incident Commander (IC) and the Medical Branch Director for several large special events such as Tampa Bay Rays games, St. Petersburg Grand Prix, triathlons, large music festivals, and parades.
- Drafted incident briefings and IAPs for special events, improving incident management processes.
- Facilitated bi-weekly meetings with Prevention and Suppression divisions for event coordination.
- Collaborated with regional agencies to streamline event planning and EMS coverage.
Captain, Rescue Division (Field Supervisor)
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Acting District Chief.
- Highest Ranking EMS Field Supervisor.
- Established and maintained Incident Command until relieved.
- Incident Safety Officer.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by directing EMS operations for critically ill individuals.
- Led paramedics and EMTs in high-stress situations, ensuring protocol adherence.
- Coordinated EMS integration with fire suppression for effective agency responses.
- Analyzed EMS performance to identify improvement areas and implement training solutions.
- Ensured compliance with regulations through accurate documentation and patient care reporting.
- Fostered collaboration among agencies to improve patient care and system efficiency.
Lieutenant
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Acting Captain.
- Achieved effective emergency response through team coordination during incidents.
- Ensured compliance with protocols by leading and supervising team operations efficiently.
- Enhanced team preparedness through training exercises in fire, EMS, and disaster management.
- Directed fire suppression and rescue operations during hazardous materials incidents.
- Improved safety through pre-incident planning and post-incident performance reviews.
- Mentored firefighters and paramedics, providing training and performance evaluations.
Firefighter/Paramedic
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
10.2011 - 01.2019
- Acting Lieutenant
- Engine and Truck Operator
- Paramedic Preceptor/FTO
- Enhanced emergency response efficiency by delivering advanced life support and firefighting.
- Streamlined logistics for diverse events, ensuring swift emergency and non-emergency readiness.
- Optimized life-saving interventions through trauma response and cardiac arrest care.
- Executed fire suppression and rescue operations, ensuring community safety during crises.
- Maintained equipment to safety standards, enhancing readiness and operational effectiveness.
- Facilitated coordinated responses by collaborating with emergency agencies during critical incidents.
EMT-B & EMT-Paramedic
AMR - Tampa
01.2009 - 10.2011
- Provided emergency medical care and transportation for patients, ensuring prompt and effective treatment during critical moments.
- Provided ALS, BLS, and Critical Care interfacility transfers.
- Completed accurate, thorough, and billable documentation.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - Public Administration
St. Petersburg College
12.2026
Associate of Science - Fire Science
St. Petersburg College
12.2022
EMT-Paramedic - undefined
FMTI
12.2011
EMT-B & Firefighter II - undefined
Leary Technical College
12.2010
Center for Wellness & Medical Professions - undefined
Boca Ciega High School
12.2008
Skills
- Personnel Management
- Command & Control
- Fire Suppression
- Emergency Medical Services
- Public Education
- Emergency Management
- Fire Department Procedures
- Crew Leadership
- Training & Mentoring
- Workload Prioritization
- Training Oversight
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, ENVI, PSTrax, Telestaff & Teamup
Accomplishments
- ALS Competition Team, 1st Place, JEMS ALS Competition, 2020
- ALS Competition Team, 1st Place, JEMS ALS Competition, 2019
- ALS Competition Team, 1st Place, FDNY Medical Special Operations Conference (MSOC) ALS Competition, 2019
- Multiple-time Exceptional Performance Award Recipient
Certification
- Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Fire Officer (FO) Designation
- FL State Paramedic
- Florida Fire Officer I & II
- Florida Fire Instructor I
- ICS 100, 200, 300, 400
- Engine & Truck Operator
- Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO)
- ACLS
- EPC
- PHTLS
- NFA N0312 Command & Control of Incident Operations
- NFA Q0297 Awareness of Command-and-Control Decision Making at Multiple Alarm Incidents.
- NFA Q0694 Safety Essentials.
- NFA Q0841 Introduction to Strategic Community Risk Reduction.
- NFA Q0426 Introduction to Fire & EMS Supervision and Management.
- NFA Q0891 Foundations of Leadership and Operations for the Company Officer.
- NFA Q0217 Alternative Water Supply: Planning and Implementing Programs.
- NFA Q0494 NFIRS 5.0 Self Study Program.
- Diplomate - American College of Addictions and Compulsive Disorders
Timeline
Captain, Rescue Division (Administration)
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
01.2024 - Current
Captain, Rescue Division (Field Supervisor)
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
01.2023 - 01.2024
Lieutenant
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
01.2019 - 01.2023
Firefighter/Paramedic
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
10.2011 - 01.2019
EMT-B & EMT-Paramedic
AMR - Tampa
01.2009 - 10.2011
Associate of Science - Fire Science
St. Petersburg College
EMT-Paramedic - undefined
FMTI
EMT-B & Firefighter II - undefined
Leary Technical College
Center for Wellness & Medical Professions - undefined
Boca Ciega High School
Bachelor of Applied Science - Public Administration
St. Petersburg College