George Richards
Billings,MT
Summary
Dedicated public safety leader with proven experience in emergency operations, personnel development, labor relations, and organizational leadership. Highly committed to safety and professional delivery of emergency services. Strong decision-making and scene-management skills, with the ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations. Self-motivated, accountable, and committed to maintaining high professional standards.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Captain
City Of Billings
01.2023 - Current
- Battalion Chief Qualified and experience working as Hi-C BC
- Possess a strong working knowledge of fire department operations, emergency response tactics, personnel accountability, and company-level leadership.
- Developed strong communication skills including face to face, radio and written communication .
- Coordinated training programs for crew, enhancing team readiness and performance.
- Used critical thinking to analyze problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
President
Montana State Firefighters Association
06.2020 - Current
- Advocated on issues involving public safety levies, firefighter pensions, firefighter health and safety, fire station infrastructure, staffing
- Provide pension-related leadership and oversight involving MPERA and Montana Public employees.
- Regularly testify before the Montana Legislature on fire service and public safety matters.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
President
Montana State Council Of Professional Fire Fighters
06.2020 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for statewide fire service organizations representing 31 work sites and approximately 1000 firefighters, fire chiefs and administrative personnel.
- Develop and provide leadership and training through the departments on subjects of labor relations, negotiations, leadership development, conflict resolutions, fire service training, professional development and mediation.
- Mentored leadership team members, promoting professional development and succession planning.
- Represented association at statewide and national conferences, advocating for firefighters' interests and needs.
Engineer
City of Billings
06.2016 - 2023
- Efficient operation of pumps, hoses, ladders and other firefighting apparatus
- Maintained clear records of accidents and/or violations both on and off the job
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds and stations for proper order and condition
Firefighter
City of Billings
12.2006 - 2016
- Responded promptly to emergency calls, ensuring safety of civilians and property.
- Conducted fire suppression operations using hoses, pumps, and other equipment effectively.
- Performed routine inspections of firefighting equipment and vehicles for operational readiness.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
Fabricator/Auto Mechanic
FKF Concrete
05.2012 - Current
- Diagnose and repair diesel and gas engines
- Welding and metal fabrication
- Managing projects, scheduling and purchasing of parts & equipment
- DOT commercial inspections
Objective
To serve as Battalion Chief of the Billings Fire Department.
Certification
- Battalion Chief Development Program
- Officer Development Program
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- NIMS Incident Command System 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
- IFSTA Company Officer Course
- IFSTA Chief Officer Course
- IFSTA Engineer Pump Operator & Ladder
- MT State Arbitration & Labor Relations Training
- Traditional & Interest Based Bargaining Training
- Mediation Training
Timeline
Captain
City Of Billings
01.2023 - Current
President
Montana State Firefighters Association
06.2020 - Current
President
Montana State Council Of Professional Fire Fighters
06.2020 - Current
Engineer
City of Billings
06.2016 - 2023
Fabricator/Auto Mechanic
FKF Concrete
05.2012 - Current
Firefighter
City of Billings
12.2006 - 2016