Erik Lopez
Watsonville,CA
Summary
I am a dedicated and motivated firefighter from the Glenwood Fire Center, with a strong foundation in wildland behavior, suppression techniques, emergency medical response, and equipment operation. I bring strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing professional growth. My passion for firefighting began at the CCC, and ever since, it has driven me to actively pursue more knowledge, experience, and growth for the betterment of my technical expertise and career.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Firefighter 1
CAL FIRE CZU
05.2024 - Current
- Assisted in responding to emergency calls, assessing situations, and providing necessary medical aid.
- Cleaned, serviced and maintained fire apparatus in condition of readiness and performed general maintenance of fire department property.
- Completed field assessments of active fires and planned optimal approaches.
- Contributed to fuel reduction projects, including clearing vegetation and brush to reduce wildfire risk, and improve fire safety.
- Laid hose lines and operated nozzles, pumps, hydrants and fire extinguishers.
- Prepared and cooked nutritious meals for the crew, ensuring readiness and well-being during shifts.
- Provided valuable insight during incident evaluations, helping to improve tactical approaches, and safety protocols.
- Attended trainings to maintain wealth of knowledge in firefighting techniques and suppression methods, enabling quick decision making during actual emergencies.
- Supported daily operational tasks, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and station upkeep.
Fire Crew Corps Member
California Conservation Corps
Freedom, CA
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Executed controlled burns to remove flammable vegetation and establish secure perimeters.
- Lead and coordinate crew members during shifts, delegating tasks effectively and maintaining clear communication.
- Play an active role in training new crew members, sharing insights and expertise to facilitate their development.
- Responded to emergencies in remote locations and area disasters, such as forest fires, with skill, speed, and terrain knowledge.
- Maintain a high level of physical fitness and endurance to endure long hours of strenuous work in various weather conditions.
- Operate chainsaws, brush cutters, pumps, and other specialized tools, ensuring proper function and maintenance.
- Establish and maintain effective communication within the crew and with incident command, conveying critical information and updates in a timely manner.
- Actively engage in direct fire line suppression activities, using hand tools and equipment to control and extinguish wildfires, while also monitoring fire behavior and conditions.
Lead Ride Operator
Santa Cruz Seaside Company
Santa Cruz, CA
06.2021 - 02.2023
- Delegated tasks to team members based on individual strengths and expertise, leading to an increase in productivity and workflows.
- Maintained high-level communication with direct supervisors to support rapid issue resolution.
- Operated mechanical equipment following corporate and manufacturer procedures.
- Took responsibility for overseeing a crew and ensured the safe operation of rides. • Received and processed written and verbal instructions, prints, and work orders.
- Cleaned and lubricated equipment on regular schedules to maintain the life of machinery and achieve consistent operations.
- Created and maintained daily activity logs to track ongoing operational performance.
- Practiced safe lockout-tagout procedures to prevent injury to personnel during maintenance procedures.
Trained new team members on how to safely operate various rides, along with enhancing their guest service skills.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Cabrillo College
Aptos, CA05.2023
High School Diploma -
Aptos High School
Aptos06-2021
Skills
- Adaptability
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Communication
- Safety awareness
- Team Leadership
- Equipment operation
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Perseverance
- Flexibility
Additional Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
CAL FIRE
- Fire Fighter 1A: Structure
- Fire Fighter 1B: Haz Mat FRA
- Fire Fighter 1C : Wildland
- C-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws
- SFT: Confined Space Awareness
- Wildland: Firefighter Safety and Survival
Pro Board
- FRO (First Responder Operatiions)
NWCG
- S-130 Firefighter Training
- S-190 Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior
- L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
Cal-JAC
- CPAT - Successfully Completed on 11/04/2023
FEMA
- IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
- IS-700 An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
- IS-800 National Response Framework
EMS
- AHA Basic Life Support (CPR & AED)
- EMT Certified and Nationally Licensed (NREMT)
Affiliations
Volunteer Experience, 60+ Hours
Community Engagement and Support
- Assisted in organizing and executing a wide range of community events, contributing to the betterment of the local neighborhood.
- Collaborated with community-oriented organizations, such as Food Not Bombs, to address issues of food security and promote a more sustainable, inclusive community.
Timeline
Firefighter 1
CAL FIRE CZU
05.2024 - Current
Fire Crew Corps Member
California Conservation Corps
02.2023 - 04.2024
Lead Ride Operator
Santa Cruz Seaside Company
06.2021 - 02.2023
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Cabrillo College
High School Diploma -
Aptos High School
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