James Velez
West Winfield,NY
Summary
Highly motivated and truly dedicated Ret. F.D.N.Y Firefighter with expertise in structural, Haz-Mat, and high-rise fires, in both Rescue and Suppression operations. As well as specialist expertise in Command administration, operations, and technologies, Foam and High-rise pumper operations, and Building construction. Offering 18 years of experience in controlling, containing and extinguishing fires in New York City. Certified and trained professional with in-depth knowledge of applicable codes, firefighting techniques and safety procedures. As well as offering 21+ years of Building construction experience and mechanical expertise. Capable of providing aid to individuals of disasters, including both natural and man made. I possess all of the skills necessary to be a valued member of a highly effective team. Looking to tackle new challenges within an organization that can appreciate an employee with great integrity and reliability, and has strong leadership, planning, and problem solving abilities. As well as an unwavering passion to help others. Responsible Technician with excellent troubleshooting, customer service and analytics skills. Highly effective in complying with safety requirements. Broad skills in maintenance and mechanical installations.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Technician
Suburban Propane
02.2023 - Current
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team.
- Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis on malfunctioning equipment.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and safety requirements.
- Maintained quality assurance and customer satisfaction objectives.
- Completed complex repairs quickly by leveraging strong diagnostic skills and attention to detail.
- Tested components and systems to evaluate performance and identify concerns.
- Applied critical thinking and research to address complex issues.
- Inspected equipment to identify areas of wear or causes of malfunctions.
- Demonstrated adaptability when faced with new challenges or technologies, enabling quick mastery of necessary skills.
- Observed equipment operation to diagnose and troubleshoot reported issues.
- Organized work to meet demanding production goals.
- Completed job reports and logs immediately following service calls.
- Increased customer satisfaction with prompt and knowledgeable support for various technical issues.
- Optimized system performance through thorough testing, analysis, and adjustments as needed.
- Actively participated in continuous learning initiatives to stay updated on industry trends and advancements in technology.
- Mentored junior technicians in maintenance, repair, and reporting duties.
- Cultivated productive working relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, fostering effective teamwork within the organization.
- Addressed routine equipment maintenance according to established schedule.
- Conducted root cause analyses for recurring technical issues, resulting in long-term solutions that minimized future disruptions.
- Reduced downtime for machines through proactive identification and resolution of technical issues.
- Provided expert advice on equipment selection, leading to an overall improvement in operational efficiency.
- Served as a reliable point of contact for customers experiencing technical difficulties with their products or systems.
- Managed inventory levels of spare parts efficiently, reducing delays due to lack of resources during repair jobs.
- Streamlined processes by implementing efficient workflows and improving technician training programs.
- Implemented cost-saving measures by identifying opportunities for process improvements and resource optimization.
- Tested systems, noting issues and completing preventive maintenance.
- Diagnosed and repaired problems with electrical and mechanical systems.
- Maintained strong focus on safety and efficiency to provide comprehensive support to personnel performing skilled repairs.
- Worked with diverse types of weather and ground conditions.
- Demonstrated to customers proper methods for operating equipment after it had been installed.
- Liaised with internal departments to optimize productivity and efficiency.
- Followed established procedures for inspection of belts, drives and motors, performing needed maintenance.
Firefighter
F.D.N.Y
05.2005 - 12.2016
- Performed standard and advanced fire suppression and fire prevention duties to protect life and property in Lower Manhattan’s 1st Division and in Queens 13th Division, and eventually Citywide as a specialist with the Command tactical unit.
- Established and managed water supplies to support suppression activities as an Engine Chauffeur at Engine Co. 6 and Engine Co. 294, and have certified specialist training in Foam operations at Engine Co. 294 Foam unit, and High rise pumping operations with Engine Co. 6. Two of roughly a dozen specialized units strategically placed throughout New York City.
- Operated Citywide as a specialist firefighter in the F.D.N.Y “War room” FDOC, and the “Command tactical unit,” CTU, and was an integral part of developing and instituting the technologies and operational procedures presently being used by the department.
- Responded directly to well over 1000 fires and emergency situations each year both as an Engine Co. and Ladder Co. Firefighter.
- Inspected buildings for fire prevention, building code violations, and hazardous materials code violations or potential hazards several times per week.
- Completed field assessments of active fires and planned optimal approaches as well as conducted and planned periodic fire safety inspections to identify unsafe conditions and develop pre incident plans.
- Met with members of the community both on duty and while volunteering my own time to provide information on ways to prevent fires and to offer fire safety education and tips.
- Tested and inspected tools, equipment, gear, and trained constantly to maintain readiness for different fire scenarios.
- Trained continuously to maintain required physical fitness for demanding work.
- Ensured compliance of the fire department and New York City rules, regulations and policies.
- Provided emergency treatment and medical care to people injured in accidents, fires, and medical emergencies.
- Maintained discipline and insured that personnel followed department rules and regulations.
- Attended trainings to maintain wealth of knowledge in firefighting techniques. and suppression methods, enabling quick decision making during actual emergencies.
Building Contractor
Self Employed And Remodeling By Arthur Lee
01.1995 - 12.2016
- Constructed residential and commercial properties as a Carpenter, Foreman, and Building contractor throughout the Tri-State area.
- Well trained in, and responsible for all aspects of the building process from sales and conception to completion. ie: Estimates, Architecture and Blueprints, Take offs and material estimates and procurement. Building code compliance. Execution and supervision of all phases of construction (Permits, Demolition, Engineering, Excavating, foundations, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and inspections etc.)
- Trained through all disciplines of Carpentry, Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master. This includes all classes of building construction carpentry and disciplines ie: Building classes 1-5 and Carpentry disciplines of Formwork, Framing, Waterproofing, Finish work and Fine carpentry, Furniture and Cabinet building, as well as a working and applicable knowledge of various other related trades, ie: Masonry, Electric, and Plumbing.
- Responsible as a foreman for supervising and assuring the safety of a crew of 3-10 individuals as a carpenter and eventually as a Contractor responsible for supervising all phases of construction and the various trades, on average supervising and assuring the safety of 10-30 individuals.
- Worked directly with home and business owners throughout all phases of the project, Architects and Engineers ensuring compliance as well as identifying and planning necessary revisions, Building inspectors ensuring compliance with local building codes, OSHA ensuring compliance with employee and site safety regulations, Sub Contractors, Employee hiring and training (entry level/intermediate/advanced), and with suppliers.
- Well trained in Woodworking, Carpentry, Masonry, Electric, Plumbing, Architect, Metal fabrication, shop, portable, and hand tools. Manual, Electric, pneumatic and hydraulic.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Fire And Emergency Services
Office of Fire Prevention And Control
Montour Falls, NYSome College (No Degree) - Fire And Emergency Services
F.D.N.Y
New York, NYSome College (No Degree) - Federal Emergency Management
Fredrick Community College
Fredrick, MDGED -
University of The State of New York
Queens, NY8 1992
No Degree - Propane And Fuel Oil
PPATEC
Harrisburg, PA2023
Skills
- Firefighting techniques expertise
- Building construction expertise
- Strong communication skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Extensive tool and equipment proficiencies
- Public safety, education, and security
- Fire prevention and enforcement
- Emergency management
- Administration and management
- Extreme passion and drive for the Fire service
- Duty to excellence
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Works Well Under Pressure
- Multitasking and Organization
- Power Tools and Equipment
- Written/Verbal Communication
- Troubleshooting
- Installation and Repair
- Maintenance and repairs
- Mechanical Knowledge
- Preventive Maintenance
- Documentation And Reporting
- Equipment Maintenance
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- System Troubleshooting
- Routine Inspections
- Workload Management
- Equipment Repair
- Deadline-oriented
- OSHA Compliance
- Relationship Building
- Safety Equipment
- Product Inspections
- Electrical repair
- Extensive Organizational Skills
- Issue Resolution
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Hardware Installation
- Component Replacement
- Blueprint Reading
- Customer rapport
- Staff education and training
- Schematic reading
- System diagnostics
- System Installation
- Project Management
- System Tests
- Risk Mitigation
- Plant Operations Support
- Environmental Compliance
- General Plumbing
- Residential construction
- Commercial construction experience
- Construction management
- Equipment Troubleshooting
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Following safety practices
- Roofing
- System repairs
- Inventory Management
- Safety Management
- Worksite preparation
- Fleet maintenance
- Component Repairs
- Building Maintenance
Certification
- CPR
- Fire Suppression and Control
- Peace Officer NYS
- Flashover Simulator
- CFR-D
- Hazmat-First Responder
- Emergency Response Plan
- Incident Command System
- Vehicle Extrication
- Unconscious FF Removal
- Subway Emergency
- Personal Safety System
- Hazmat Ultra-Radiac
- High Pressure Pumper
- In-Line pumping
- Relay Water
- In-line/Water Relay
- Foam Carrier
- Engine Co. Chauffeur
- Hazmat Tech Level-1
- Hose Stretch Hand
- Hose Stretch Standpipe
- Mask Confidence
- Patient Packing
- Wind Driven Fire/Fan/Blanket
- Communication Unit Leader
- Cellular Phone Site
- Elevator
- Forcible Entry
- Fast Unit Ops
- Fast Pak
- Major Disaster Chauffeur
- ACE
- Mass Decontamination
- Gas Emergencies
- Mayday
- Notice of Violation
- Radiation Metering
- Subway Tactical
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Tac Bldg. 5/ Bldg. 1/ Bldg. 12
- Search
- FEMA IS-301
- FEMA IS-120
- FEMA IS-8
- FEMA IS-279
- FEMA IS-346
- FEMA IS-7
- FEMA IS-010
- FEMA IS-011
- FEMA IS-393
- FEMA IS-195
- FEMA IS-1
- FEMA IS-2
- FEMA IS-3
- FEMA IS-5
- FEMA IS-288
- FEMA IS-324
- FEMA IS-513
- FEMA IS-394
- FEMA IS-600
- FEMA IS-630
- FEMA IS-271
- FEMA IS-208
- FEMA IS-15
- FEMA IS-386
- FEMA IS-240
- FEMA IS-241
- FEMA IS-244
- FEMA IS-632
- FEMA IS-631
- FEMA IS-111
- FEMA IS-292
- FEMA ICS-200
- OFPC Principles of Instruction
- OFPC Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1
- OFPC Fire Officer 1
- Nassau County Fire - Dept. Ops Residential
- Nassau County Fire - Dept. Ops Commercial
- CETP 1.0
- CETP 2.2
- CETP 2.4
- CETP 3.1-3.5
- CETP 4.1
- CETP 4.2
- CETP 4.3
- CETP 4.4
- CETP 4.5
Timeline
Technician
Suburban Propane
02.2023 - Current
Firefighter
F.D.N.Y
05.2005 - 12.2016
Building Contractor
Self Employed And Remodeling By Arthur Lee
01.1995 - 12.2016
Some College (No Degree) - Fire And Emergency Services
Office of Fire Prevention And Control
Some College (No Degree) - Fire And Emergency Services
F.D.N.Y
Some College (No Degree) - Federal Emergency Management
Fredrick Community College
GED -
University of The State of New York
No Degree - Propane And Fuel Oil
PPATEC