Gregory French
Durango,CO
Summary
I am a dedicated ski patrol professional with experience in multiple areas of ski area mountain operations including all daily patrol operations, risk management and incident investigation, emergency medicine at the basic life support and advanced life support levels, high angle rope rescue at the NFPA 1983 and ANSI Z459.1 standards, and avalanche forecasting and hazard reduction as a Pro 1 worker, type 1 blaster, and an M101A1 howitzer master gunner.
I also have experience with snowmaking using SMI and HKD guns, grooming and terrain park building as a groomer operating Prinoth equipment. I enjoy building positive relationships with the other departments at the ski area and recognize that ski patrol is there to assist them as well as our guests. I have experience and knowledge with state regulations that govern the tramways, the Colorado Skier Safety Act, federal/state explosives use, storage, and transport regulations, and the Purgatory Patrol collective bargaining agreement.
I have worked at Lee Canyon, Mammoth, and Purgatory for over thirty years in mountain operations and have an excellent reputation of meeting or exceeding company goals while adapting to new situations to best enhance the organizational brand.
Areas of expertise in the fire service as a Deputy Fire Chief include grant funding and budget management, human resources management, community and government relations, and Fire/EMS standards development and protocol compliance at the state and federal level. At Las vegas Fire and Rescue, I was responsible for crew resource management and training of a highly specialized technical rescue team, apparatus specification and readiness, and compliance with the IAFF local 1285 union contract.
Strong leader and problem solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. I'll use my diverse background, sound judgment, and extensive knowledge of ski area operations and emergency management to positively impact Mountain Capital Partners success.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Fire Chief of Operations
Upper Pine River Fire Protection District
06.2021 - Current
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies, and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs. Prepared and updated SOP's to meet NFPA standards and CAAS accreditation.
- Directed work of 36 firefighters and six captains in an all hazard rural department covering 290 square miles with call volume of 1200/year.
- Coordinated, scheduled, and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness. Responsible for recruitment, testing, hiring, and terminations.
- Implemented comprehensive training plan through development of training calendars, and promoting a training captain, equipment inspections, and quarterly company performance evaluations.
- Assisted the Fire Chief with $4.2 million budget preparation and directed operational expenses to meet budget objectives.
- Wrote several grants, federal and state, to acquire apparatus and firefighting equipment.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide command, safety officer functions, or assist with line operations as firefighter or paramedic.
- Established a culture of continuous quality improvement by encouraging all department members to evaluate their operations and voice concerns.
Ski Patrol Director/Risk and Explosives Manager
Purgatory Resort
11.2018 - Current
- Provided oversight and direction for daily ski patrol staffing to achieve operational objectives.
- Trained patroller's in lift evacuation, avalanche forecasting and mitigation, and emergency medical protocols. Hired seasonal staff.
- Responded to emergency medical calls on slopes and provided patient care/ transport.
- Assisted with daily setup, tear down and sweep of hill.
- Wrote SOP's and policies as requested by Mountain Operations Director, prepared and managed $500k annual department budget, wrote staffing forecasts, capital expenditures requests, and submitted grant proposals to state EMS office.
- Led accident investigation team and prepared reports for risk management. Participated in annual insurance reviews with the Mountain Capital Partners loss control team. Assisted in formation of Purgatory Safety Committee and was an active member.
- Wrote avalanche hazard plan analysis for proposed expansion area adjacent to ski area including explosive mitigation options. Completed avalanche atlas for current and proposed expansion area.
- Prepared COVID response plan for summer and winter operations for ski area in compliance with state requirements. Wrote safe work practices for Purgatory Patrol.
- Started explosive avalanche mitigation program at Purgatory. Purchased inventory, magazines, completed all permits and applications through ATF and state of Colorado. Developed state approved training program to prepare blasters for state exam. Current ATF Responsible Person, Employee Possessor, and Colorado Type 1 Blaster.
- Maintained Colorado State EMS Training Center designation for Purgatory and DEA license with medical director for controlled substances. Certified EMT's for renewal as EMS instructor.
- Managed summer bike patrol operations including hiring and training summer staff, mountain bike park trail maintenance, and operational protocol development to meet predetermined budget goals.
- Developed high-performing ski patrol teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Transportation Maintenance Worker 1
Colorado Department Of Transportation
07.2018 - 11.2018
- Responsible for CDOT building repair and maintenance. Specializing in structural trades.
- Assisted with explosive training for avalanche mitigation.
- Assisted with M101A1 howitzer training including live fire at Fort Carson. Supervised gun crew as Master Gunner.
- Maintained CDOT training records for Avalanche Artillery Users of North America Committee.
- Operated and repaired heavy equipment including snow plows, loaders, and backhoes.
Snow Safety Supervisor/Ski Patrol Assistant Manager
Lee Canyon Ski Area
11.1998 - 06.2018
- Provided oversight and daily direction for ski patrol staff. Responded to emergencies for command and control or patient care/transport.
- Supervised snow safety staff, prepared daily weather and avalanche hazard forecast for lift served and hike to terrain. Worked with US Forest Service to develop environmental impact assessments of avalanche hazard reduction plan at Lee Canyon.
- Planned and executed avalanche mitigation work using explosives including military artillery. Prepared and kept records for ATF, US Forest Service, US Army, and Mountain Operations Director.
- Assisted Patrol Director with annual budget preparation, hiring seasonal staff. Trained staff in emergency medical protocols, lift evacuation, low angle rope rescue, avalanche rescue, water rescue, ski area operations, and explosive use.
- Lead handler and trainer for certified avalanche rescue dog.
- Slope and terrain park groomer with experience in the Bison X and 350. Assisted with early season snowmaking when needed. Performed summer trail maintenance including logging, trail cutting, and clearing for snowmaking pond construction.
Fire Captain/Paramedic - Technical Rescue Team
City of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue
10.1991 - 06.2018
- Provided direction and supervision for fire crews during emergency responses. Manage station duties including staffing, apparatus and equipment maintenance, training, report writing and record keeping.
- Maintained certifications for Southern Nevada Health District Paramedic, Nevada State Fire Instructor 2, Paramedic Preceptor, EMS Instructor 2, Technical Rescue Instructor, ACLS and BLS provider. Completed ICS 100-700.
- Founding member of LVFR Technical Rescue Team and LVFR Bicycle Paramedic Patrol.
- Responded to emergency medical and fire calls as single unit resource or part of multi alarm assignments. Provided incident command or operations section oversight as assigned.
- Maintained and refurbished equipment to improve operational capability.
- Compiled and maintained variety of departmental documentation including log books, run reports, training records, reports of suspected arson, violations of fire codes or ordinances, firefighter timesheets, accident reports, and "close call" reporting.
- Directed implementation of comprehensive training operations, including drills, inspections, tests, and performance evaluations.
Chef De Cuisine
Andre's French Restaurant
05.1982 - 04.1991
- Hired as kitchen assistant and was promoted to Chef during time at Andre's. Also worked at Andre's commercial bakery as baker. Worked in France during summer to expand culinary skills.
- Scheduled and supervised all kitchen employees such as dishwashers, prep cooks, and bakers. Managed food costs by developing competitive bidding process from purveyors, and menu cost analysis.
- Created seasonal or special event menus and designed corresponding recipes for Andre's.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Hired, trained and managed all kitchen staff, including employee development, issuing disciplinary action and conducting performance reviews.
- Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance and cleanliness of production and service areas.
- Developed positive guest relations with special request food items or service.
- Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict Clark County health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
Education
NREMT-P - Paramedicine
National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians
Las Vegas, NV07.2020
Professional Avalanche Worker - Avalanche forecasting, weather observations, and rescue
AIARE Level 1, 2, Pro 1, National Avalanche School
Mammoth Lakes, Snowbasin, Snowbowl2010
Outdoor Emergency Care
National Ski Patrol
Lee Canyon Ski Area2007
Paramedicine
University Medical Center Paramedic Program
Las Vegas, Nevada1994
Probationary Firefighter - undefined
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Fire Academy
Las Vegas, Nevada1992
Bachelor of Science - Accounting/Information Systems
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO1988
Skills
- Emergency response skills
- Skilled in summer and winter mountain operations
- Strategic planning skills
- Excellent financial analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong writing skills
- Efficient multitasking
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer fire fighter for the Mount Charleston Fire Protection District since 2009. Serve as Captain, Paramedic, and Assistant Chief.
Secretary for Bristlecone Avalanche Rescue K9's.
Executive Committee member for Avalanche Artillery Users of North America Committee (AAUNAC) for past 12 years.
La Plata County Search and Rescue Technical Rescue Team and Winter Response Team.
Timeline
Deputy Fire Chief of Operations
Upper Pine River Fire Protection District
06.2021 - Current
Ski Patrol Director/Risk and Explosives Manager
Purgatory Resort
11.2018 - Current
Transportation Maintenance Worker 1
Colorado Department Of Transportation
07.2018 - 11.2018
Snow Safety Supervisor/Ski Patrol Assistant Manager
Lee Canyon Ski Area
11.1998 - 06.2018
Fire Captain/Paramedic - Technical Rescue Team
City of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue
10.1991 - 06.2018
Chef De Cuisine
Andre's French Restaurant
05.1982 - 04.1991
Probationary Firefighter - undefined
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Fire Academy
Bachelor of Science - Accounting/Information Systems
University of Colorado Boulder
NREMT-P - Paramedicine
National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians
Professional Avalanche Worker - Avalanche forecasting, weather observations, and rescue
AIARE Level 1, 2, Pro 1, National Avalanche School
Outdoor Emergency Care
National Ski Patrol
Paramedicine
University Medical Center Paramedic Program
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