James Cady
Coventry,RI
Summary
Retired Fire Chief with extensive experience in grant writing and budget management, securing over $300,000 for Western Coventry Fire District. Expertise in emergency response and team leadership, enhancing community outreach and project management. Proven track record in driving initiatives that improve fire prevention and safety. Highly motivated with strong work ethic and adaptability, capable of mastering new skills independently.
Overview
52
52
years of professional experience
Work History
Fire Chief
Western Coventry Fire District
Greene, USA
10.2017 - 11.2024
- I accepted the position as the first full-time chief of the department.
- Over the seven years I applied for federal and state grants which brought in over $300,000 to the department.
Firefighter/EMT
Central Coventry Fire District
Coventry, USA
07.1992 - 10.2017
- I worked as a volunteer from 1974 to 1992 at which time I became a career firefighter/EMT.
- I worked full-time at the department until October 2017.
Business Owner
Kent County Tile
Coventry, USA
09.2000 - 01.2012
- I started my own business installing tile and stone for residential and commercial buildings.
Part-time Worker
Suburban Propane
Coventry, USA
04.1993 - 09.1993
- I worked part time on my days off from the station filling propane tanks for delivery drivers.
Mechanical Engineer
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division
Groton, Connecticut
05.1981 - 06.1992
- I worked as a mechanical engineer for the submarine contractor where I was responsible for design changes and testing of valves which allowed seawater to enter the ship to cool the nuclear reactor.
- I had the privilege of being invited on-board the USS Miami fast attack submarine during its sea trials in 1989.
Mechanic
Cady’s Garage
Coventry, RI
06.1972 - 05.1981
- I worked as a mechanic in my father’s business from 1973 to 1981 as a mechanic.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fire Science
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, Alabama01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI05-1981
Skills
- Grant writing and budget management
- Emergency response and incident command
- Fire prevention and risk assessment
- Team leadership and training
- Community outreach and project management
- Equipment maintenance and safety
- Effective communication and problem solving
- Decision making and project planning
- Leadership and troubleshooting skills
- Customer service and PPE usage
- Basic math and multitasking
- Organizational skills and First Aid/CPR
- Life safety inspections
Accomplishments
- Instructed in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and HAZMAT Operations programs for the RI Fire Academy
- Certified NFPA Fire Inspector I until 2022
- Certified RI EMS Instructor Coordinator - coordinated EMT training for 60 Coventry firefighters
- Completed various classes at the National Emergency Training Center to support the towns Emergency Operations Center and served in the EOC for hurricanes, floods, and epidemics
- Program Manager and Instructor for Coventry’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Coordinated the communities HeartSafe Community recognition from the American Heart Association
Skill Certifications
- Fire Service Instructor I
- Incident Command ICS 700/800
- Wildfire Operations
- NFPA Fire Inspector I
- Incident Safety Officer
- Rural Water Supply
- EMT Instructor
- Health and Safety Officer
- Dive/Ice Rescue
- HAZMAT Instructor
- Program Management
- Confined Space
- HAZMAT Technician
- Emergency Management Training
- Continuity of Operations
Affiliations
- Enjoy riding my motorcycle, traveling with my wife, and attending cultural and artistic events.
- Enjoyed SCUBA diving and tandem parachute jumps
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Fire Chief
Western Coventry Fire District
10.2017 - 11.2024
Business Owner
Kent County Tile
09.2000 - 01.2012
Part-time Worker
Suburban Propane
04.1993 - 09.1993
Firefighter/EMT
Central Coventry Fire District
07.1992 - 10.2017
Mechanical Engineer
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division
05.1981 - 06.1992
Mechanic
Cady’s Garage
06.1972 - 05.1981
Bachelor of Science - Fire Science
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
University of Rhode Island