Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

James Suddath

Claremore,OK

Summary

Proven leader in emergency management and operational leadership, adept at streamlining operations for the Broken Arrow Fire Department with innovative technology integration. Excelled in personnel management, fostering team cohesion, and enhancing firefighter safety through comprehensive training. Skilled in incident command and hazardous materials response, significantly reducing preventable incidents and property damage in the community. Experienced vehicle collision investigator for determining causation followed by recommendations of corrective action to prevent further accidents.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

Deputy Fire Chief-Operations

Broken Arrow Fire Department
10.1991 - 06.2024
  • Directed public outreach campaigns to promote fire safety awareness and preparedness, reducing the number of preventable incidents within the community.
  • Streamlined department operations by integrating modern technology solutions like computer-aided dispatch systems and GIS mapping tools.
  • Managed department budget effectively, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds for personnel, training, and equipment needs.
  • 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.
  • Expanded the department''s capabilities by incorporating specialized teams such as hazardous materials response units and technical rescue squads.
  • Reduced property damage and loss by conducting regular fire safety inspections in high-risk areas.
  • Oversaw incident command at major emergencies, coordinating resources and communication for optimal results.
  • Optimized staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage during peak call times while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • Enhanced community relations through public education initiatives, including fire prevention workshops and school presentations.
  • Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
  • Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
  • Inspected stations, uniforms and vehicles regularly for signs of maintenance needs or general professionalism.
  • Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
  • Supervised firehouse operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels between all staff members and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Improved emergency response times by implementing streamlined dispatch procedures and efficient resource allocation.

Medicaid Billing Specialist

McCaughren And Associates
05.1990 - 10.1991


  • Collaborated with healthcare providers to obtain necessary documentation for accurate billing and reimbursement.
  • Developed strong working relationships with Medicaid representatives, facilitating smooth communication and expedited problem resolution.
  • Monitored accounts receivable aging reports closely, ensuring timely collection efforts were made on overdue balances.

File Clerk

Veterans Administration
01.1989 - 05.1990


  • Identified and corrected inconsistencies in filing systems for increased accuracy.
  • Examined, categorized, and sorted incoming documents.
  • Sorted and classified documents into appropriate filing systems for increased traceability.
  • Part time while attending NSU.

Specialists (E-4)

U.S. Army Active Duty
11.1986 - 11.1988

U.S Army converted my MOS to civilian prior to my arrival to permanent duty station at Ft. Ord, CA. First Sergeant had me crossed trained and licensed to operate heavy all-terrain cargo equipment to support deployments of the 7th Infantry Light Division. These duties primarily consisted of loading and off-loading 10,000 lbs. pallets onto C-130 and C-141 transport planes both at airports and forward bases in the field.


Deployed to Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms Marine Corps bases for simulated joint Army-Marine ground invasions in the desert theater.


Ran a supply warehouse on base during non-deployment operations.


Qualified as expert marksman and received two Army Achievement Medals and One Army Accommodation Medal prior to honorable discharge.

Education

Bachelor of Technology - Fire And Emergency Services

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK
05.2008

Associate of Science - Business Administration

Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK
05.2006

Associate of Applied Science - Science Education

Tulsa Junior College
Tulsa, OK
05.1997

Emergency Medical Technician - Medical Emergency

Tulsa Technology Center - Lemley
Tulsa, OK
10.1992

Skills

  • Incident Command
  • Fire suppression
  • Operational leadership
  • Emergency Management
  • Hazardous Materials Response
  • Personnel Management
  • Organizational Development
  • Disaster preparedness
  • Media Relations
  • Firefighting operations
  • Workload prioritization
  • Occupational safety
  • Resources Allocation

Additional Information

  • General working knowledge Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Great working knowledge with radio and cellphone communications.
  • Good working relationships with several Fire and law enforcement agencies.
  • Great communications skills.
  • Good emotional intelligence.
  • Good impression management skills.
  • Very versatile, multi-tasker, analytical, and good problem solver.

Timeline

Deputy Fire Chief-Operations

Broken Arrow Fire Department
10.1991 - 06.2024

Medicaid Billing Specialist

McCaughren And Associates
05.1990 - 10.1991

File Clerk

Veterans Administration
01.1989 - 05.1990

Specialists (E-4)

U.S. Army Active Duty
11.1986 - 11.1988

Bachelor of Technology - Fire And Emergency Services

Northeastern State University

Associate of Science - Business Administration

Tulsa Community College

Associate of Applied Science - Science Education

Tulsa Junior College

Emergency Medical Technician - Medical Emergency

Tulsa Technology Center - Lemley
James Suddath