James Williamson
Leland,NC
Summary
Hard-working professional with 30.5+ years of experience and a proven knowledge of customer service, data entry, and operating policies & procedures. Aiming to better hone my skills and experience by being promoted as a Fire/ Rescue Captain with the TOLFRD. Reliable Fire Apparatus Engineer known for maintaining high productivity and efficiently completing tasks. Possess specialized skills in emergency vehicle operation, maintenance of firefighting equipment, and hydraulic systems management. Excel in teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making, ensuring safety and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Fire Apparatus Engineer
Town of Leland Fire Rescue
Leland, NC
11.2023 - Current
- Respond to emergencies and render appropriate action in high stress environments such as medical emergencies, traumatic situations, natural and manmade disasters
- Special equipment operator, (Tower and Heavy Rescue)
- Respond to and mitigate all calls of fire, rescue, and emergency services
- Mentor and Field Operations trainer for probationary firefighters
- Instructor of in-house recruit classes, offering IFSAC certification through curriculum courses as needed
- Develop lesson plans and training objectives to meet the continued education requirements of the department
- Determined fire and other hazard causes, ascertaining methods to prevent future issues.
- Routinely monitored fluid levels in engines and checked tire pressures.
- Performed salvage operations such as removing debris, throwing sweeping water and throwing salvage covers.
- Followed safety procedures while performing repairs on heavy-duty equipment.
- Utilized specialized computer software programs to diagnose vehicle issues quickly.
- Inspected vehicles for safety compliance according to NFPA standards.
- Kept fire station, equipment and grounds in clean and orderly condition.
- Participated in training sessions related to the latest technology used in fire truck operations.
Firefighter Paramedic
Town of Leland Fire Rescue
Leland, NC
07.2017 - 11.2023
- Evaluated incident scenes for possible victims requiring medical attention or evacuation assistance.
- Prepared detailed reports concerning all activities at emergency scenes.
- Ascended and descended ladders, stairs and ramps in smoke-filled areas.
- Responded quickly to hazardous materials incidents by containing spills or leaks with appropriate protective gear.
- Controlled and extinguished fires using manual and power equipment.
- Informed and educated local community members about fire prevention and safety.
- Inspected vehicles for proper operation prior to use on emergency calls.
- Operated specialized equipment such as pumps, aerial ladder trucks, and hazardous material units.
- Responded immediately to alarms for fires, vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations.
- Assisted in responding to emergency calls, assessing situations, and providing necessary medical aid.
- Held nozzles and directed streams of fog, chemicals or water to combat fires.
- Attended trainings to maintain wealth of knowledge in firefighting techniques and suppression methods, enabling quick decision making during actual emergencies.
Training Officer
Civietown Vol. Fire Department
Shallotte, NC
07.2018 - 08.2020
- While serving as the department training officer I have developed, revamped, and improved the firefighting training standards for the organization
- Sat down with all the line staff to find what areas they were deficient in, and I tailored my training classes and opportunities to best meet the needs and goals of the staff
- Developed a 5 year and 10-year plan to get those firefighters that were not yet state certified as firefighters so that they could meet this objective
- Ran the training program from the ground up by providing firefighter academies offering the classes that were needed the most
- Reached out to neighboring districts and set up training schedules for our personnel to utilize the live fire props and safety and survival props as part of our quarterly training
- Modified teaching strategies to customize lesson plans for different student needs.
- Developed and maintained up-to-date training materials, including manuals, handouts, and instructional videos.
- Monitored progress of trainees through observation or feedback from supervisors and mentors.
- Developed strategies to enhance employee knowledge and skills related to their job roles.
Fire Equipment Operator/Paramedic
Town of Oak Island Fire Rescue Dept.
Oak Island, NC
07.2009 - 07.2017
- My primary function was that as a lead fire equipment operator and Paramedic
- Assisted in performing QA/QI on all ALS cases that were run by our Paramedics
- Provided state certified instruction to all in-house firefighters
- Trained the new employees in operations and assured proficiency in their duties
- Performed in accordance with local and state approved procedures and protocols
- Performed routine cleaning tasks on assigned equipment before returning it back into service.
- Maintained daily logs of machine operations and reported any mechanical or safety issues to supervisor.
- Conducted regular inspections of work area for hazardous conditions that could impact safe operation of equipment.
- Monitored operation of equipment to ensure proper functioning in accordance with safety regulations.
Lieutenant/Shift Supervisor/ FTO
Leland Volunteer Fire Rescue Inc.
Leland, NC
06.2008 - 07.2014
- Responsible for a shift of four personnel, which included the influx of volunteers who were reporting to complete their ride time.
- Responded to and mitigated all calls for fire, rescue, and emergency medical services.
- Functioned as a senior paramedic on the ALS transport ambulance.
- Functioned as a field training officer for the newly credentialed EMS providers and the new fire recruits that we were receiving monthly.
- Provided leadership, mentorship, and guidance to all of the employees who were under my charge.
- Collaborated with team members to improve performance and implement training updates.
- Utilized POS systems efficiently for order processing and inventory management.
- Observed and monitored utilization of equipment.
- Mentored and coached staff by giving employees suggestions and feedback to improve job performance.
- Assisted upper management with daily operations to meet standards of service and quality.
Special Operations Paramedic
New Hanover Regional Medical Center EMS
Wilmington, NC
05.1997 - 04.2009
- Served as a Special Operations Paramedic within the Field Operations Division
- Provided heavy rescue and special operations such as water rescue, high angle, and vehicle extrication to the southern part of New Hanover County
- This included the beach communities of Carolina and Kure Beach
- Exceeded yearly performance requirements such as a formal swim test in a pool, a treading water exercise and a 100-yard surf swim with and without a PFD
Education
Multiple Community College courses - firefighter certification
Skills
- Emergency response
- Equipment operation
- Hazard mitigation
- Safety compliance
- Technical training
- Employee training
- Team building
- Firefighting tactics
- Fire behavior
- Emergency vehicle operation
- Incident command system
- Fire pump operation
- Building construction
- Equipment maintenance
References
Available upon request.
Additional Skills - Licenses And Certifications
See attached OSFM transcript.
Affiliations
- Eagle Scout.
- Home School assistant.
Languages
English
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Fire Apparatus Engineer
Town of Leland Fire Rescue
11.2023 - Current
Training Officer
Civietown Vol. Fire Department
07.2018 - 08.2020
Firefighter Paramedic
Town of Leland Fire Rescue
07.2017 - 11.2023
Fire Equipment Operator/Paramedic
Town of Oak Island Fire Rescue Dept.
07.2009 - 07.2017
Lieutenant/Shift Supervisor/ FTO
Leland Volunteer Fire Rescue Inc.
06.2008 - 07.2014
Special Operations Paramedic
New Hanover Regional Medical Center EMS
05.1997 - 04.2009
Multiple Community College courses - firefighter certification
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