James Paxton
Pickerington,Ohio
Summary
I am a lifelong resident of Violet Township. I have a long work history with Violet Township, and a strong knowledge of the workings and components of the township form of government.
With a robust background at Violet Township Fire Department, I have a deep knowledge of the various areas and neighborhoods of our community. I also have a significant understanding of the history of the Violet Township and Pickerington area.
I have devoted my life to community service, emergency management and personnel leadership, securing grants and fostering interagency relations. My expertise spans fire suppression, crisis management, and mentoring, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and team cohesion. This experience has provided me with a deep understanding of working in a committee/team environment, as well as working within the parameters of existing rules. Regulations and guidelines.
Working in a profession affected by ongoing growth and change, I understand the importance of both personal and community evolvement. Community involvement is a critical component to a successful community.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Fire Chief
Violet Township Fire Department
11.2014 - 12.2023
- Assisted in grant writing efforts to secure additional funding for departmental projects or initiatives.
- Served as a liaison between the fire department and other municipal agencies or government officials regarding public safety concerns.
- Established and continued communication with local government to maintain positive relationship.
- Served as MECC/RCOG EMS Chief
- Served as Fire/EMS representative to Fairfield County EMS EOC
- Assisted in Labor Negotiations between VTFD and Local 3558
- Assisted in Daily Operations and Administrative Duties of the VTFD
- Acted on behalf of the Fire Chief in his absence
Battalion Chief
Violet Township Fire Department
01.2009 - 11.2014
- Reviewed fire reports and payroll entries of shift officers and crews, verifying accuracy and completeness.
- Oversaw shift training, ensuring proper allocation of resources while maintaining shift readiness at all times.
- On-Scene Incident Commander in high-pressure situations, successfully guiding teams through complex emergency incidents while minimizing risks to both responders and civilians.
- Developed scheduling and coordination of shift staffing levels, changes and activities.
- EMS Coordinator for the Department
Lieutenant
Violet Township Fire Department
08.1995 - 01.2009
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
- Monitored progress towards targets continuously, making adjustments as needed to ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Served as Volunteer / Part-Time Committee Chair where I oversaw and assisted in recruitment of new Department members at both the Part-Time and Volunteer level.
- Coordinated crew efforts to build a strong team of dedicated professionals focused on achieving success together.
- Facilitated meetings that encouraged open dialogue between team members, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing among colleagues.
- Company Officer. Over.-seeing day to duties and operations of assigned crew
- Responsible for emergency and non-emergency
Adjunct Fire Service Instructor
Ohio Fire Academy & Fairfield/Eastland Career Ctr
02.1996 - 03.2007
- Assessed trainee progress regularly, adjusting instruction methods for optimal learning outcomes.
- Provided mentorship to new firefighters, supporting their personal growth within the profession.
- Boosted overall team morale through recognition of exceptional achievements during training sessions.
- Fostered an environment of respect, collaboration, and open discussion among both instructors and trainees alike.
Firefighter/Paramedic
Violet Township Fire Department
01.1989 - 08.1995
- 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, medics, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Served on various Committees
Casual Summer Help
Violet Township
06.1982 - 05.1985
- Worked at an as needed basis in conjunction with the Township Road Crew
- Work duties included: Painting. mowing cemeteries and cleaning ditches.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OHCriminal Justice
No Degree - The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHEMT-Basic
Fairfield Career Center/ VTFD
21 Lockville RD, Pickerington OHFirefighter I & II
Eastland/ Fairfield Career Ctr/ VTFD
VariousCertificate of Technical Studies - EMT-P Paramedic
Lancaster Fire Academy
254 E Chestnut St, Lancaster Oh 43130Certification - Leadership And Administration
Ohio Fire Chiefs Assoc. - Ohio Fire Executive
Ohio State UniversityCertifications Available Upon Request - Fire Invest. /Rescue/HazMat/ACLS/PALS/Leadership
Numerous Fire/EMS/Leadership/ Incident Command
VariousCertificate of Technical Studies - Firefighter I - Basic Firefighting
State Fire School
Bowling Green, OH05-1987
High School Diploma -
Pickerington High School
130 Hill Rd S. Pickerington OH 4314705-1985
Skills
- Incident command
- Fire suppression
- Public safety
- Emergency management
- Rescue Operations
- Fire Investigation : Cause and Origin
- Interagency coordination
- Personnel management
- Crisis management
- Hazardous materials response
Timeline
Assistant Fire Chief
Violet Township Fire Department
11.2014 - 12.2023
Battalion Chief
Violet Township Fire Department
01.2009 - 11.2014
Adjunct Fire Service Instructor
Ohio Fire Academy & Fairfield/Eastland Career Ctr
02.1996 - 03.2007
Lieutenant
Violet Township Fire Department
08.1995 - 01.2009
Firefighter/Paramedic
Violet Township Fire Department
01.1989 - 08.1995
Casual Summer Help
Violet Township
06.1982 - 05.1985
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Bowling Green State University
Criminal Justice
No Degree - The Ohio State University
EMT-Basic
Fairfield Career Center/ VTFD
Firefighter I & II
Eastland/ Fairfield Career Ctr/ VTFD
Certificate of Technical Studies - EMT-P Paramedic
Lancaster Fire Academy
Certification - Leadership And Administration
Ohio Fire Chiefs Assoc. - Ohio Fire Executive
Certifications Available Upon Request - Fire Invest. /Rescue/HazMat/ACLS/PALS/Leadership
Numerous Fire/EMS/Leadership/ Incident Command
Certificate of Technical Studies - Firefighter I - Basic Firefighting
State Fire School
High School Diploma -
Pickerington High School
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