James Stricklen

Fire Captain

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue

07.1994 - 12.2024

Mentored new firefighters in developing essential skills and understanding departmental expectations for performance excellence.
Led a team of firefighters in extinguishing hazardous material fires, minimizing environmental impact and potential harm to nearby residents.
Improved firefighter safety through consistent training sessions and adherence to established guidelines.
Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
Directed work of up to 30 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
Developed strong relationships with community leaders, fostering trust and collaboration for public safety initiatives.
Promoted fire safety awareness within the community by organizing and participating in public outreach events, such as open houses and safety presentations.
Streamlined equipment maintenance processes, ensuring rapid deployment during emergency situations without compromising safety standards.
Managed personnel schedules, ensuring adequate staffing for optimal response times during emergencies.
Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
Delivered timely incident reports to senior leadership, providing accurate data for budgetary decisions and policy development purposes.
Facilitated interdepartmental training exercises that fostered teamwork between firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers on scene management techniques.
Conducted thorough post-incident analysis, identifying areas for improvement in both tactics and equipment usage.
Made daily inspections of facilities and equipment.
Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
Enhanced emergency response efficiency by implementing streamlined communication protocols within the department.
Oversaw multi-agency responses to large-scale incidents, coordinating resources effectively for successful outcomes.
Collaborated with local schools to implement fire safety education programs, empowering students with life-saving knowledge.
Enhanced team efficiency by developing and implementing dynamic training programs tailored to unique needs of fire department.
Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of advancements in fire science and emergency management.
Initiated wellness program for firefighters, contributing to improved morale and reduced instances of job-related stress injuries.
Crafted and executed fire suppression strategies that minimized damage to property and environment.
Oversaw maintenance and operational readiness of firefighting equipment, ensuring peak performance during emergency responses.
Coordinated multi-agency operations to mitigate large-scale emergencies, significantly reducing potential property damage and personal injury.
Improved response times with meticulous planning and execution of strategic deployment models.
Conducted rigorous fire investigations to determine causes and prevent future occurrences, significantly improving community safety standards.
Fostered team-oriented environment that encouraged professional growth and skill development among junior firefighters.
Streamlined communication processes with local law enforcement and emergency medical services, enhancing collaborative efforts during crisis situations.
Mentored new recruits and junior officers, guiding them through rigorous training programs and preparing them for advancement within department.
Checked fire suppression equipment regularly and oversaw upkeep.
Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
Inspected stations, uniforms and vehicles regularly for signs of maintenance needs or general professionalism.