JAMES DEMAREST
Watertown,CT
Summary
Accomplished Deputy Fire Chief at Town Of Watertown, adept in emergency management and operational leadership. Excelled in interagency coordination and developed comprehensive training programs, significantly enhancing firefighter safety and preparedness. Skilled in fostering team growth and maintaining high service standards, evidenced by successful grant proposals and specialized team expansions. Demonstrates strong organizational development and personnel management, ensuring optimal department performance. Experienced Fire Chief offering extensive list of successes building and leading talented teams in training, drills and high-danger emergency events. Highly committed to safety and continuous provision of quality emergency response. Equipped with strong background overseeing group efforts across diverse facilities ranging in size and complexity.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Fire Chief
Town Of Watertown
935 Main Street Watertown, Ct. 06795
08.2017 - Current
- Collaborated with local agencies to create regional response plans for large-scale incidents, improving overall preparedness levels.
- Managed department budget effectively, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds for personnel, training, and equipment needs.
- Oversaw incident command at major emergencies, coordinating resources and communication for optimal results.
- Developed successful grant proposals to secure funding for department improvements such as equipment upgrades and additional personnel.
- Expanded the department''s capabilities by incorporating specialized teams such as hazardous materials response units and technical rescue squads.
- Established strong relationships with neighboring departments to enhance mutual aid agreements during large-scale emergencies or resource shortages.
- Mentored junior officers on leadership principles, cultivating a culture of professional growth within the department ranks.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels between all staff members and addressing concerns promptly.
- Increased firefighter safety by developing comprehensive training programs focused on proper equipment use and situational awareness.
- Implemented an effective maintenance program for all apparatuses and equipment, reducing equipment downtime significantly.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Directed work of 30+ firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
- Supervised firehouse operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Checked fire suppression equipment regularly and oversaw upkeep.
- Assigned firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
Service Manager
Gowans-Knight Co.,Inc.
49 Knight Street Watertown, Ct. 06795
06.2010 - Current
- Resolved customer complaints in professional and timely manner.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and offer available solutions.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for continued patronage.
- Hired, trained and supervised team of service staff members to meet business goals.
- Managed a team of technicians, ensuring timely completion of projects and high-quality workmanship.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders to replenish stock.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and providing ongoing staff training on proper equipment use.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and develop effective and practical solutions.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers to build rapport and trust.
- Reduced service downtime for clients by proactively addressing potential issues and maintaining clear communication channels.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, resulting in improved product support and better pricing for customers.
Education
High School Diploma -
Watertown High School
Watertown, CT06.1982
Skills
- Incident Command
- Fire suppression
- Operational leadership
- Emergency Management
- Interagency Coordination
- Hazardous Materials Response
- Personnel Management
- Organizational Development
- Rescue Operations
- Firefighting operations
- Workload prioritization
- Fire protection
- Records Management
- Training programs
- Personnel Training
- Emergency medical treatment
- Worker Training
- Crew training
- Fire department maintenance
- Preventive Maintenance
Accomplishments
see list
Affiliations
- see list
Certification
see attached
Timeline
Deputy Fire Chief
Town Of Watertown
08.2017 - Current
Service Manager
Gowans-Knight Co.,Inc.
06.2010 - Current
High School Diploma -
Watertown High School