Elizabeth Sanford
New Market,MD
Summary
An experienced Fire Department leader with nearly 30 years at Montgomery County, MD Department of Fire & Rescue. After 20 years of operational firefighting and EMS, I spent my final 10 years assigned as the Section Chief for Administrative Services and then as the Fire/Rescue Training Academy. I have significant experience in promotional exam development, Labor Relations and Fire & EMS Training. I value a strong, open, listening style of leadership, focused on the team, and what others bring to our collective table.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Fire Chief
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
07.2018 - 04.2024
- Served as Section Chief of Administrative Services and of the Fire/Rescue Training Academy
- Produced promotional exams at all ranks: developed exam content, managed staff assisting with development and implementation of ,exam, coordination with outside entities, etc.
- Responsible for all aspects of training and development of approximately 2000 new and experienced firefighter/rescuers, both career and volunteer
- Served as Department´s lead representative in labor contract negotiations
- Responsible for oversight of all aspects of FF disciplinary cases. Ensured complete, unbiased investigations, provided counsel to the Fire Chief regarding proposed disciplinary actions.
- Management of all levels of union grievances, employee/management disputes labor contracts, and coordinate grievance procedures regarding worker complaints.
- Oversight of all aspects of recruitment and hiring for both firefighter and civilian positions
Battalion Chief
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
10.2013 - 07.2018
- Served as Department´s lead in Promotional Exam development and implementation, necessitating high degree of leadership, attention to detail and interaction with staff, union personnel, County HR and outside agencies
- Provided assistance to sworn and civilian staff in management of employee performance
- Produced promotional exams at all ranks: developed exam content, managed staff assisting with development and implementation of ,exam, coordination with outside entities, etc.
- Served on Department´s labor contract negotiations team: contract proposal development, provided subject matter expertise to lead negotiator, work-group negotiator with union representatives
- Management of FF disciplinary cases. Ensured complete, unbiased investigations, provided consultation to supervisors regarding employee conduct or performance, constructed employee Statement of Charges and Notice of Disciplinary Actions when warranted
- Union grievances management including investigation and resolution attempts at all levels, including mediation & arbitration
- Provided counsel in employee/management disputes
Captain
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
12.2005 - 10.2013
- Operations
- Responsible for oversight of all aspects of one of the County´s busiest fire stations.
- Supervised staff of 14 personnel from FF1-Lieutenant
- Conducted periodic firefighter performance evaluations.
- Responded to emergency fire, medical and other hazardous calls for service
- Prepared reports of fire, EMS and other emergency incidents
- Ensured daily inspections of apparatus and equipment to ensure operational readiness
- Mentored new firefighters in developing essential skills and understanding departmental expectations for performance excellence.
- Unit officer responsible for fire and EMS incident management requiring considerable expertise and judgment in high stress emergency environment.
- Fostered team-oriented environment that encouraged professional growth and skill development among junior firefighters.
- EMS Supervisor
- Assigned as one of two county-wide EMS supervisors
- Incident management of multi-casualty EMS events
- Incident oversight on high-level ALS events
- Liaison between Department personnel and hospital Emergency Department staff
- Conducted paramedic competency field evaluations
- Management of DEA-controlled medications
Lieutenant
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
12.2000 - 12.2005
- Unit officer, responded to fire, EMS and other hazardous emergency incidents
- Directed on-scene personnel in all aspects of fire engine, truck or rescue squad operational actions (hose deployment, ladder placement, establishment of water supply, ALS medical intervention, etc.) on emergency incidents
- Directed station-level training exercises designed to ensure/improve upon operational readiness for fire suppression, EMS and other hazardous incident types
- Increased firefighter safety by enforcing strict adherence to department policies and procedures during emergency operations.
- Prepared reports of fires, equipment and personnel.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing professional development opportunities for firefighters under my supervision.
- Evaluated personnel performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and identifying individual strengths to match skill sets with appropriate assignments.
Master Firefighter/Firefighter Paramedic
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
01.1995 - 12.2000
- Performed operational rank-appropriate firefighting and EMS emergency tasks.
- Utilized technical rescue skills effectively in various emergency situations, including confined space rescues, high-angle rope rescues, and water rescues.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to develop coordinated strategies for combating complex fires and emergencies.
- Increased team efficiency through regular maintenance of firefighting apparatuses, ensuring readiness for all emergencies.
- Contributed to a positive work environment within the firehouse by exhibiting strong teamwork skills and professional conduct daily.
- Enhanced emergency preparedness by assisting in the development of pre-incident plans for high-risk facilities within the community.
- Fostered community relations through participation in public events, demonstrating the fire department''s commitment to serving and protecting citizens.
- Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
911 Public Safety Telecommunicator
Alexandria, VA Police & Fire Communications
02.1992 - 01.1995
- Received public emergency and non-emergency calls and supervised response prioritization in order to effectively dispatch official units such as police, fire, and EMS while tracking data in real-time environments.
- Served as an integral member of the emergency communications team, consistently demonstrating professionalism and dedication to public safety.
- Supported law enforcement and Fire Department during high-risk situations by providing vital background data on suspect locations or histories.
- Read system maps and caller information, and documented details in system.
- Supported efficient response efforts with effective triage of emergency situations, ensuring proper allocation of resources.
- Managed high-stress situations with composure, providing reassurance to distressed callers while gathering crucial information for first responders.
- Contributed to public safety initiatives by accurately relaying critical information regarding potential threats or hazards during emergencies.
- Monitored Police and Fire radios to provide assistance to responding personnel.
- Enhanced community safety by efficiently dispatching emergency services to incidents based on priority and location.
- Utilized advanced technology systems for accurate tracking and monitoring of dispatched units in real-time scenarios.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry best practices and emerging technologies within the field of emergency communications.
911 Public Safety Telecommunicator
City of Santa Barbara Police Department
03.1989 - 10.1992
- Received public emergency and non-emergency calls and supervised response prioritization in order to effectively dispatch official units such as police, fire, and EMS while tracking data in real-time environments.
- Served as an integral member of the emergency communications team, consistently demonstrating professionalism and dedication to public safety.
- Supported law enforcement officers during high-risk situations by providing vital background data on suspect locations or histories.
- Read system maps and caller information, and documented details in system.
- Managed high-stress situations with composure, providing reassurance to distressed callers while gathering crucial information for first responders.
- Monitored Police and Fire radios to provide assistance to responding personnel.
- Enhanced community safety by efficiently dispatching emergency services to incidents based on priority and location.
- Assessed emergency requests and made quick judgment calls to determine appropriate action.
- Utilized advanced technology systems for accurate tracking and monitoring of dispatched units in real-time scenarios.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry best practices and emerging technologies within the field of emergency communications.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
George Washington University
Washington, DC05.1986
Skills
- Leadership
- Management
- Labor Relations
- Human Resources, including recruitment, promotional exam administration, employee performance and disciplinary management
- Training program management and development
- Staff Development
- Operational firefighting and EMS
- Personnel Management
- Interagency Coordination
Timeline
Assistant Fire Chief
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
07.2018 - 04.2024
Battalion Chief
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
10.2013 - 07.2018
Captain
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
12.2005 - 10.2013
Lieutenant
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
12.2000 - 12.2005
Master Firefighter/Firefighter Paramedic
Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue
01.1995 - 12.2000
911 Public Safety Telecommunicator
Alexandria, VA Police & Fire Communications
02.1992 - 01.1995
911 Public Safety Telecommunicator
City of Santa Barbara Police Department
03.1989 - 10.1992
Bachelor of Arts -
George Washington University
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