Jason LaManna
Winter Haven
Summary
Command-level fire service executive with extensive experience in fire suppression, emergency medical services, and municipal leadership. Proven track record in operational command, personnel management, and strategic planning, driving improvements in firefighter safety and organizational efficiency.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Captain / Acting Fire Chief
City of Fort Meade
Fort Meade
01.2023 - Current
- Serve as Acting Fire Chief with full authority over departmental operations including staffing, budgeting input, training oversight, and emergency response coordination
- Maintain continuous command availability (24/7/365) and respond to all working structure fires, critical incidents, and multi-agency events
- Balance operational shift responsibilities while executing administrative leadership functions during off-shift hours
- Resolved staffing crisis due to medical leave and legislative impacts on part-time workforce
- Implemented mandatory overtime strategies to maintain minimum staffing levels while identifying long-term staffing solutions
- Conducted operational analysis identifying need for increased daily staffing to meet NFPA 1710 effective response force standards
- Evaluated firefighter fatigue, injury risk, and liability exposure, implementing mitigation strategies to improve safety
- Applied NFPA 1710 (deployment), NFPA 1500 (occupational safety), and OSHA General Duty Clause principles to operational decision-making
- Strengthened accountability systems, safety practices, and training compliance to reduce organizational risk and liability exposure
- Led development of new fire station project funded through State Fire Marshal appropriations
- Created and managed Critical Path Method (CPM) timeline for project execution
- Coordinated implementation of Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method to ensure project accountability
- Identified deficiencies in apparatus and equipment lifecycle planning and initiated development of replacement schedules
- Independently designed and completed full build-out of a new brush truck including fabrication, installation of emergency lighting, radio systems, sirens, and operational equipment
- Placed apparatus into frontline service, improving response capability and operational coverage
- Identified structural budget challenges from overtime reliance and insufficient funding diversification, leading to strategic financial planning initiatives
- Developed recommendations for fire assessments, inspection fees, and cost recovery programs, enhancing revenue generation strategies
- Identified revenue loss due to inconsistent fee collection and permitting enforcement, recommending corrective actions
- Implemented EPR FireWorks RMS system, integrating incident reporting, training records, inspections, hydrant testing, and asset tracking
- Improved reporting compliance with state and national databases, increasing accountability and data-driven decision-making capability
- Coordinated FEMA reimbursement documentation for disaster-related incidents, ensuring timely recovery of funds and resource allocation
- Managed insurance claims and contractor coordination for fire and storm damage recovery
- Developed citywide hurricane preparedness and response protocols
- Provided leadership during declared emergencies and complex incident environments
- Led smoke alarm installation initiatives in partnership with the American Red Cross
- Delivered CPR, First Aid, and fire safety training to community groups and businesses
- Strengthened community relationships and improved public safety awareness
Captain
City of Lake Alfred
Lake Alfred
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Led fire suppression and emergency medical response activities
- Awarded Medal of Honor for exceptional service and dedication
- Developed and implemented structured training programs for personnel development
- Mentored junior firefighters and future officers
- Supervised daily fire department operations and personnel
- Ensured compliance with departmental SOPs and safety regulations
Firefighter / EMT
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Bartow
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Delivered advanced emergency medical care through ALS interventions and cardiac monitoring to stabilize patients
- Executed fire suppression tactics, including hose deployment and pump operations, to effectively control fires and protect life and property
- Participated in high-risk emergency operations, demonstrating rapid decision-making to ensure safety and effective response
- Conducted apparatus inspections and maintenance to ensure readiness
- Delivered community education programs focused on fire prevention and life safety
Education
Fire Service Diploma -
South Florida State College
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) -
Polk State College
First Responder -
Polk State College
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Administration
- Strategic Planning
- Policy Development
- Budget Planning
- Fiscal Oversight
- Resource Allocation
- Interagency Coordination
- Emergency Operations
- Incident Command
- Decision-Making
- Training
- Compliance
- Organizational Development
- Risk Management
- Safety Leadership
- Technical Expertise
- Medical Expertise
- Advanced Life Support
- Fireground Hydraulics
- Pump Operations
- Water Supply Management
- Apparatus Operation
- Maintenance Oversight
- Fleet Readiness
- Equipment Lifecycle Management
- Replacement Planning
Certification
- Florida Certified Firefighter
- Fire Officer I
- State Certified Fire Officer
- Instructor I
- Fire Instructor
- Pump Operator
- EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course)
- Firefighter Compliance Certification
- National Registry EMT (NREMT)
- Department of Health EMT
- Polk County EMT
- Medical First Responder
- ACLS (RQI)
- PALS (RQI)
- CPR/AED (Red Cross)
- AHA BLS Instructor
- ICS 100, 200, 300
- NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800
- IS 5.A, IS 29.A, IS 35.25
- IS 102.C, IS 241.C, IS 324.A
- IS 904, IS 905
- Hydraulics (ATPC 1301)
- Apparatus Operations (ATPC 1302)
- Fire Service Course Delivery (ATPC 1740)
- Firefighting Tactics & Strategies I (ATPC 1810)
- Firefighting Tactics & Strategies II (ATPC 2811)
- Company Officer Leadership (ATPC 2720)
- Fire Protection Systems I (ATPC 1540)
References
Available upon request
Awards
- Medal of Honor, 2021, City of Lake Alfred
- Distinguished Service Award, 2016-2017
- Unit Citation, 2017, Polk County
Leadership Philosophy
Leadership grounded in accountability, firefighter safety, operational excellence, and service to the community. Committed to building a culture of professionalism, continuous improvement, and strategic growth aligned with national standards and best practices.
Timeline
Captain / Acting Fire Chief
City of Fort Meade
01.2023 - Current
Captain
City of Lake Alfred
01.2019 - 01.2022
Firefighter / EMT
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
01.2010 - 01.2018
Fire Service Diploma -
South Florida State College
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) -
Polk State College
First Responder -
Polk State College