Erik Lawyer
Westminster,USA
Summary
Firefighter/Paramedic with 25+ years of experience in fire and life-safety operations, combined with 14+ years in mortgage and real estate sales and leadership as Executive Director of a national firefighter safety focused nonprofit. Strong communicator and relationship builder focused on helping clients understand risk and implement solutions.
Seeking a fire protection or life-safety sales role.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Firefighters for 9/11 Truth
Boulder, CO
08.2008 - Current
- Founded and directed a national nonprofit organization focused on firefighter awareness, public education, and fire-service engagement
- Led and coordinated a core team of 8 members, overseeing operations, communications, and strategic initiatives
- Established relationships with fire service leaders, influencers, and organizations at national and international levels
- Coordinating directly with government leadership, including collaboration with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, supporting potential Senate-level review initiatives
- Partnered with other national organizations, public officials and stakeholders, including former Congressman Curt Weldon, to advance organizational initiatives
- Directed development of media and contributed to articles featured in international fire service publications and documentaries
- Preparing for leadership transition after long-term organizational growth, pursuing transition into fire protection and life-safety sales
Firefighter
Seattle Fire Department
Seattle, WA
09.1996 - 12.2012
- Established trust with homeowners, property managers, and business owners during emergency response and fire inspections
- Performed fire and life-safety inspections, identifying code deficiencies and communicating risk and compliance solutions
- Selected for and served on the Metropolitan Medical Strike Team (FEMA), playing a key role in coordinated response to high-impact incidents
- Trained and mentored new firefighter recruits, reinforcing safety standards and team performance
- Delivered public education on fire prevention, system readiness, and risk mitigation
- Recognized by academy instructors for top-level performance, leadership, and teamwork during recruit training
Realtor
Windermere Real Estate
Seattle, WA
01.2000 - 03.2011
- Consistently performed at top-producer level in the Seattle market, averaging 6+ closings per month in peak years
- Built and sustained a 70%+ referral-driven business through strong client relationships and repeat clientele
- Developed and led a personal support team to scale operations and deliver a high-quality client experience
- Generated new business through homebuyer education classes and community partnerships
- Ranked #2 producing agent in a 90+ agent Windermere office within 3 years
Mortgage Loan Officer
Continental Savings Bank (became HomeStreet Bank)
Seattle, WA
09.1997 - 01.2000
- Served as lead mortgage lender for a specialized Affinity Program supporting firefighters, police officers, and teachers
- Cultivated referral-based business through relationships within first responder and public service networks
- Advised clients on complex financial decisions, clearly explaining loan options and structuring tailored solutions
- Managed a high-volume pipeline while maintaining strong communication and client follow-through while also working as a firefighter full-time
- Recognized with President’s Club (1999) for top production and performance
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic
Yolo Sac Ambulance / American Medical Response
Sacramento, CA
08.1988 - 03.1996
- Began as EMT-Basic and advanced to EMT-Paramedic (1991)
- Administered medications, performed advanced life support procedures, and utilized specialized equipment to stabilize patients
- Managed high-stress situations calmly and professionally while providing compassionate care for patients in distress
- Awarded EMT of the Year (1991) and Paramedic of the Year (1994)
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Camarillo Flight School
04-1985
Mortgage Lending Certificate -
Continental Savings Bank
09-1997
Fire Academy -
Seattle Fire Department
08-1996
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics and Psychology Minor
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA06-1993
Paramedic Training - undefined
Mobile Emergency Training Systems (METS)
01-1991
Private Pilot -
Camarillo Flight School
04-1985
Skills
- Relationship-Based Sales
- Business Development & Prospecting
- Fire & Life-Safety Systems Knowledge
- Account Management & Client Retention
- Pipeline Management & Closing
- Risk Assessment & Compliance Communication
- Presentation & Client Education
- Territory Development
Timeline
Executive Director
Firefighters for 9/11 Truth
08.2008 - Current
Realtor
Windermere Real Estate
01.2000 - 03.2011
Mortgage Loan Officer
Continental Savings Bank (became HomeStreet Bank)
09.1997 - 01.2000
Firefighter
Seattle Fire Department
09.1996 - 12.2012
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic
Yolo Sac Ambulance / American Medical Response
08.1988 - 03.1996
Paramedic Training - undefined
Mobile Emergency Training Systems (METS)
Bachelor of Science -
Camarillo Flight School
Mortgage Lending Certificate -
Continental Savings Bank
Fire Academy -
Seattle Fire Department
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics and Psychology Minor
University of California, Davis
Private Pilot -
Camarillo Flight School