Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Certification
Work Accomplishments
Leadership And Committees
Timeline
Generic
James H. Dean

James H. Dean

Kansas City,Missouri

Summary

Experienced fire service leader with 37 years in fire prevention and emergency services. Over 20 years in management roles, specializing in compliance with NFPA standards and fire safety improvements in Kansas City. Recognized for strategic planning and crisis management, achieving high productivity and operational success. Strong skills in administrative management and team coordination, ensuring effective communication and resolution of challenges.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy Chief of Community Risk Reduction/Fire Marshal

Kansas City Fire Department
Kansas City, Missouri
04.2020 - Current
  • Enforced NFPA 1, NFPA 101, and NFPA 72 through comprehensive risk assessments and fire inspections.
  • Spearheaded updates to fire codes and ordinances, leading to a decrease in citywide fire incidents.
  • Coordinated emergency response protocols in collaboration with Mid-America Regional Council and State EMS Advisory Council.
  • Prepared detailed reports summarizing investigation findings for review by senior management.
  • Analyzed data to uncover trends necessitating policy or procedural modifications.
  • Represented Chief at internal and external meetings, ensuring alignment on key initiatives.

Deputy Chief PIO and Diversity and Recruitment

Kansas City Fire Department
06.2019 - Current

Increased minority cadet recruitment by 25% through community partnerships and targeted initiatives.

  • Secured multiple partners for recruitment programs aimed at underrepresented groups.
  • Prepared detailed reports summarizing findings from subordinate investigations.
  • Maintained effective communication with divisions across the organization.
  • Responded promptly to inquiries from citizens and media outlets.
  • Attended meetings on behalf of Chief as required.

Battalion Chief – Safety

Kansas City Fire Department
01.2010 - 04.2018
  • Conducted firefighter training drills on equipment usage and effective techniques.
  • Participated in city-wide safety audits and fitness-for-duty policy evaluations.
  • Monitored safety practices of subordinate personnel during operational activities.
  • Enhanced firefighter readiness by implementing NFPA 1582 standards.
  • Maintained extensive knowledge of building construction materials for emergency assessments.
  • Engaged in community outreach programs to educate public on fire safety measures.

Battalion Chief – EMS

Kansas City Fire Department
01.2004 - 12.2010
  • Oversaw annual EMS call audits and launched Citizen Assist Program, saving $1.2M in emergency costs.
  • Ensured compliance with NFPA 450, NFPA 1581, and OSHA regulations.
  • Directed policy and procedure changes according to local and state regulations.
  • Managed budgets for assigned areas, maintaining strict fiscal responsibility.
  • Established effective relationships with subordinates, peers, and superiors for project success.
  • Facilitated communication among first responders to coordinate emergency response actions.

Fire Captain – Academy Instructor

Kansas City Fire Department
12.2000 - 12.2003
  • Trained recruits in NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1072 qualifications for effective firefighting.
  • Evaluated emerging technologies for fire suppression systems and recommended appropriate adoptions.
  • Developed training protocols for onboarding new personnel to ensure consistent education.
  • Implemented strategies to enhance student engagement with course materials.
  • Counseled students experiencing difficulties in grasping core concepts effectively.

Fire Captain - Field

Kansas City Fire Department
02.1996 - 12.2000

Led crew members during drills, exercises, and real-world operations, ensuring effective performance.

  • Maintained detailed records of fire-related activities, including incident reports and training documents.
  • Established personnel development goals through comprehensive job performance evaluations.
  • Directed fire personnel activities during assigned shifts to enhance operational readiness.
  • Supervised multiple personnel, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and standards.

Fire Apparatus Operator

Kansas City Fire Department
01.1991 - 01.1996
  • Responded to fire alarms and emergencies using pumper and ladder trucks.
  • Operated pumps, aerial ladders, and auxiliary equipment during emergency situations.
  • Maintained fire apparatus, including hoses, ladders, and related firefighting equipment.

Firefighter

Kansas City Fire Department
01.1987 - 01.1991
  • Responded to emergency and non-emergency incidents, delivering critical services such as medical assistance and fire suppression.
  • Executed search and rescue operations in hazardous conditions to safeguard lives.
  • Conducted educational presentations on fire prevention techniques for local schools and businesses.

Education

B.A. - Pastoral Studies

Calvary Bible College

M.A. - Biblical & Theological Studies

Calvary Theological Seminary

University of Missouri-Columbia

The Fire and Rescue Training Institute

Skills

  • Planning and risk assessment
  • Fire code enforcement
  • Public education and community engagement
  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • Team leadership and development
  • Effective communication skills
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Project management and coordination
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Organizational development strategies
  • Meeting facilitation and collaboration
  • Public relations and media engagement
  • Long-range planning and strategy
  • Interagency cooperation and partnerships
  • Community relations and outreach
  • Staff development and training
  • Work scheduling and resource allocation
  • Corrective action planning
  • Emergency management strategies
  • Strategic leadership and direction

Personal Information

Title: Deputy Chief of Community Risk Reduction/Fire Marshal

Certification

  • Fire Inspector I (NFPA 1031)
  • Fire Service Instructor I (NFPA 1041)
  • Incident Safety Officer (NFPA 1521)
  • NIMS ICS (FEMA)

Work Accomplishments

  • Developed the Citizen Assist Program, saving approximately $1.2 million for various emergency agencies.
  • Implemented fitness standards consistent with the health and fitness needs of the department.

Leadership And Committees

  • KCFD Strategic Planning Committee
  • KCFD DEI Committee
  • State Advisory Council for EMS
  • Health/Wellness and Safety Committee
  • Labor/Management Steering Committee
  • Community Services Committee
  • Diversity, Recruitment and Retention Committee
  • Modified Duty Committee
  • Human Resources Committee
  • Multi-Disciplinary Task Force Committee
  • FIFA World Cup Planning Committee

Timeline

Deputy Chief of Community Risk Reduction/Fire Marshal

Kansas City Fire Department
04.2020 - Current

Deputy Chief PIO and Diversity and Recruitment

Kansas City Fire Department
06.2019 - Current

Battalion Chief – Safety

Kansas City Fire Department
01.2010 - 04.2018

Battalion Chief – EMS

Kansas City Fire Department
01.2004 - 12.2010

Fire Captain – Academy Instructor

Kansas City Fire Department
12.2000 - 12.2003

Fire Captain - Field

Kansas City Fire Department
02.1996 - 12.2000

Fire Apparatus Operator

Kansas City Fire Department
01.1991 - 01.1996

Firefighter

Kansas City Fire Department
01.1987 - 01.1991

B.A. - Pastoral Studies

Calvary Bible College

M.A. - Biblical & Theological Studies

Calvary Theological Seminary

University of Missouri-Columbia

The Fire and Rescue Training Institute