Herbert Stafford
Summerville,SC
Summary
Dynamic Fire Engineer and Acting Captain with extensive experience at the City of Charleston, excelling in personnel and crisis management. Proven track record in enhancing firefighter safety and operational efficiency, while fostering team collaboration. Successfully implemented strategic fire suppression techniques, significantly reducing property damage during emergencies. Committed to continuous improvement and community engagement. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Fire Captain
City Of Charleston
05.2019 - Current
- Mentored new firefighters in developing essential skills and understanding departmental expectations for performance excellence.
- Led a team of firefighters in extinguishing hazardous material fires, minimizing environmental impact and potential harm to nearby residents.
- Improved firefighter safety through consistent training sessions and adherence to established guidelines.
- Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Directed work of firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
- Streamlined equipment maintenance processes, ensuring rapid deployment during emergency situations without compromising safety standards.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
- Made daily inspections of facilities and equipment.
- Oversaw maintenance and operational readiness of firefighting equipment, ensuring peak performance during emergency responses.
- Inspected stations, uniforms and vehicles regularly for signs of maintenance needs or general professionalism.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Fostered team-oriented environment that encouraged professional growth and skill development among firefighters.
Fire Engineer
Charleston Fire Department
10.2018 - Current
- Ensured reliable vehicle performance by maintaining accurate records of repairs, inspections, and preventative maintenance activities.
- Responded to fire alarms and extinguished fires.
- Increased team efficiency by training junior firefighters on the operation and maintenance of fire apparatus.
- Supported firefighting operations with timely water supply management and pump operation.
- Reduced property damage through strategic placement of fire apparatus during incidents.
- Streamlined inventory management for firefighting equipment, ensuring necessary tools were readily available during emergencies.
- Contributed to successful firefighting strategies by effectively communicating with incident commanders and crew members during emergencies.
- Cleaned and inspected all equipment.
- Collaborated with firefighters to effectively position hoses and equipment for optimal firefighting efforts.
- Safeguarded public welfare during emergency situations with proper traffic control measures while operating fire apparatus.
- Enhanced firefighter safety by conducting thorough equipment inspections and maintenance on fire apparatus.
- Improved emergency response times by efficiently navigating fire apparatus to incident locations.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department through adherence to standard operating procedures and guidelines for fire apparatus operation.
Assistant Engineer
Charleston Fire Department
11.2015 - 10.2018
- Participated in training activities and instruction sessions.
- Responded to and supported emergencies involving company personnel, buildings, equipment and vehicles.
- Participated in ongoing professional development courses in order to remain knowledgeable about industry advancements and best practices related to apparatus operations.
- Responded to service requests as outlined in company and administrative procedures.
- Reduced equipment downtime through diligent inspections, identifying potential issues before they escalated into costly repairs or hindered response capabilities.
- Reduced response times for emergency calls by optimizing travel routes and equipment preparation procedures.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
Firefighter
Charleston Fire Department
12.2012 - Current
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
- Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
- Provided immediate medical attention to victims at emergency scenes, ensuring swift stabilization before hospital transport.
- Assisted with regular maintenance of firefighting equipment.
Education
Associate of Science - Fire Science
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL09-2024
Skills
- Fire department procedures
- Policy enforcement
- Crew leadership and supervision
- Personnel management
- Team building
- Crisis management
- Professionalism
- Continuous improvement
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Incident command system
- Conditions assessment
- Fire pump operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Water supply management
- Fire apparatus inspection
- Fire apparatus operation
Timeline
Acting Fire Captain
City Of Charleston
05.2019 - Current
Fire Engineer
Charleston Fire Department
10.2018 - Current
Assistant Engineer
Charleston Fire Department
11.2015 - 10.2018
Firefighter
Charleston Fire Department
12.2012 - Current
Associate of Science - Fire Science
Columbia Southern University
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