James Mchaffie
Healdsburg,CA
Summary
Dedicated firefighter with proven skills in structural firefighting, emergency medical treatment, and community education. Demonstrated ability to respond effectively under pressure and engage in continuous professional development. Iam a very determined individual who works well with a team. I am also highly motivated, responsible, and very reliable
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter
CAL FIRE Local 2881
Gordon Valley
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Assisted in firefighting operations, ensuring safety protocols and equipment were utilized effectively.
- Conducted routine inspections of firefighting gear and tools to maintain readiness for emergency response.
- Participated in training exercises to enhance firefighting techniques and team coordination skills.
- Supported incident command during emergencies by providing critical situational awareness information.
- Engaged in public education efforts on fire prevention and safety measures within the community.
- Collaborated with team members to execute controlled burns for land management purposes.
- Responded promptly to emergency calls, demonstrating quick decision-making under pressure.
- 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.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through advanced firefighting and rescue training courses.
Firefighter
CAL FIRE Local 2881
Middletown, CA
09.2019 - 12.2024
- Maintained clear communication with team members during operations to ensure coordinated response efforts.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- 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.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
- Monitored and responded to hazardous gas levels and smoke detectors to avoid injuries and fatalities.
- Led team in high-risk rescues, safely evacuating individuals from hazardous environments.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Assisted with regular maintenance of firefighting equipment.
- Supported incident command during emergencies by providing critical situational awareness information.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
Firefighter
CAL FIRE Local 2881
Weott, CA
03.2014 - 09.2019
- Utilized technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.
- Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
- Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
- Assisted in wildfire suppression efforts by coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to establish containment lines and protect threatened structures.
- Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
- Reduced property damage from fires with quick and strategic firefighting tactics.
- Operated hoses, pumps, ladders and other firefighting equipment.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Completed training to stay in peak physical fitness and handle challenging tasks.
- Performed maintenance on water tanks, fire hoses and other firefighting equipment.
Education
Fire Fighting
Siskiyou College
Weed, CA11-2012
Skills
- Structural firefighting
- First aid certified
- Fire safety
- Stress tolerance and resilience
- Emergency medical treatment
- Community relations
- Leadership and supervision
- Public education
- Map reading and navigation
- Mass casualty events
- Motivated
- Great communicator
- Responsible
Timeline
Firefighter
CAL FIRE Local 2881
01.2025 - 10.2025
Firefighter
CAL FIRE Local 2881
09.2019 - 12.2024
Firefighter
CAL FIRE Local 2881
03.2014 - 09.2019
Fire Fighting
Siskiyou College