Jeffrey Lennon
Columbus Pallet Company INC
Riegelwood,NC
42
years of professional experience
Results-driven Firefighting Professional experienced in navigating complex challenges and delivering effective solutions. Achieved operational efficiency and business growth through strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach. Focused on advancing organizational goals and fostering team collaboration to deliver impactful results.
Work History
Firefighter /EMS Coordinator
25 Years 3 Months- Executed search, rescue, and extrication procedures in high-risk environments.
- Responded to emergency incidents, stabilizing scenes and coordinating fire suppression efforts.
- Operated pumps, hoses, ladders, and rescue equipment during structural and wildland responses.
- Inspected apparatus, tools, and protective gear to ensure readiness and compliance.
- Assisted incident command with scene assessment, hazard control, and resource coordination.
- Trained newer firefighters on safety practices, equipment use, and emergency protocols.
- Performed fire prevention inspections and documented hazards for corrective action.
- Maintained station readiness through equipment checks, supply organization, and response preparation.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform life-saving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent it from spreading.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
- Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Utilized technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.
- Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintaining accurate records.
- Evaluated the situation at emergency sites to determine and execute the most the most effective methods for saving life and property.
- Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
- Contributed to positive outcomes during multi-agency responses by effectively collaborating with law enforcement personnel, paramedics, and other emergency service providers.
- Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
- Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
- Assisted in wildfire suppression efforts by coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to establish containment lines and protect threatened structures.
- Educated the public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
- Collaborated with other emergency responders on scene to establish adequate fire suppression.
- Completed training to stay in peak physical fitness and handle challenging tasks.
- Prepared incident reports detailing personnel, location and results of each call.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
- Assisted with regular maintenance of firefighting equipment.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Successfully negotiated client contract renewals to create increased revenue.
- Evaluated and recommended methods of improving operational performance.
- Monitored implementation and success of protocols and programs.
- Oversaw recruitment, orientation and performance evaluations of employees.
- Maintained communication and good working relationships with facility administration.
- Maintained confidentiality and security of health records and medical information.
- Implemented continuous professional development opportunities for EMS personnel, helping them stay current on industry best practices.
- Improved team morale and performance by fostering an open, supportive work environment.
- Enhanced EMS response times by streamlining communication processes between dispatchers and responders.
- Encouraged a culture of continuous learning by sharing industry news, trends, and research findings with colleagues.
- Processed daily and monthly computerized reports and unit schedules.
- Maintained compliance with local, state, and federal regulations through regular policy reviews and updates.
- Provided timely feedback and coaching to EMS personnel, resulting in better overall job performance and satisfaction levels among staff members.
- Assisted in grant writing endeavors that secured funding for essential equipment upgrades and additional resources.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, ensuring seamless integration into the team.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies efficiently, minimizing waste and ensuring availability for emergency situations.
- Collaborated with other emergency service agencies to create effective disaster response plans for the region.
- Contributed to strategic planning efforts aimed at enhancing service delivery capabilities within the organization.
- Participated in regional emergency planning initiatives to ensure coordinated efforts during large-scale incidents or disasters.
- Supported inter-agency cooperation through participation in joint training exercises that improved communication channels.
- Prepared time schedules for float team and per diem personnel.
- Oversaw budget management for the EMS department, optimizing resource allocation while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
- Reduced errors in patient care reports by implementing a thorough quality assurance program.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department by conducting regular risk assessments and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Evaluated performance metrics regularly to identify areas for improvement and drive positive change within the organization.
- Coordinated community outreach events to raise awareness about EMS services and educate the public on safety measures.
- Helped maintain accurate documentation of all incidents attended by sharing best practices in report writing.
- Maintained accurate source data within programs to generate accurate reports.
- Established strong relationships with local hospitals, facilitating efficient patient transfers between EMS personnel and hospital staff.
- Led process improvements that strengthened EMS coordination and operational efficiency.
- Reviewed call reports, correcting documentation gaps and improving record accuracy.
- Liaised with fire-rescue personnel, hospitals, and dispatch for seamless incident response.
- Maintained medical supply inventories, restocking critical items and repair needs.
- Trained staff on patient care procedures, scene safety, and equipment use.
Owner/Operations Manager
42 Years 4 Months- Directed daily operations across pallet sourcing, repairs, and order fulfillment.
- Oversaw inventory flow to ensure material availability and production consistency.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined shop workflow and reduced waste.
- Negotiated customer contracts and maintained long-term business relationships.
- Supervised staff performance, providing coaching on safety, quality, and productivity standards.
- Managed staff scheduling, training, and performance expectations.
- Coordinated equipment maintenance and safety compliance for operational reliability.
- Resolved client issues quickly to support service quality and repeat business.
- Monitored profitability, expenses, and purchasing decisions to strengthen business performance.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
- Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
- Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decisionmaking.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine the company's product offerings.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Implemented sustainability initiatives, reducing environmental impact.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Reduced turnaround time for project completion through effective resource allocation and team management.
- Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
- Implemented quality control systems to boost overall product consistency and reliability.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
- Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
- Handled staff training initiatives aimed at upskilling the workforce to meet dynamic industry demands.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
Choir Director
3 Years 3 Months- Conducted rehearsals to keep performers prepared for performances.
- Enhanced choir performance by implementing innovative rehearsal techniques and strategies.
- Prepared choirs for regional competitions by rigorously rehearsing pieces and focusing on technical precision as well as emotional expression.
- Established strong relationships with local schools and arts organizations to promote collaborative performances and educational opportunities for students.
- Developed clear performance expectations and guidelines for choir members, promoting a high standard of professionalism during rehearsals and concerts.
- Collaborated with composers on commissioning original works specifically tailored to showcase the unique strengths of the choir.
- Strengthened partnerships with other music educators in sharing resources, ideas, and best practices to enrich overall teaching methods.
- Organized and led recruiting initiatives to maximize program outreach.
- Evaluated individual vocal progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Implemented effective marketing strategies using social media platforms, print materials, and community outreach efforts to raise awareness about upcoming performances.
- Cultivated a positive rehearsal environment by fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and camaraderie among choir members.
- Initiated workshops led by guest artists and industry professionals to further develop the skills of choir members.
- Developed a diverse choral repertoire, incorporating various musical styles and genres to broaden the choir's appeal.
- Directed groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Determined voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos and tone balances required to achieve effects desired in each musical composition.
- Transposed pieces from one instrument to another and one key to another to accommodate client and musician preferences.
- Positioned members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
- Expanded the choir membership through targeted recruitment efforts and auditions, resulting in a more versatile ensemble.
- Secured grant funding for new resources, equipment, and professional development opportunities by submitting persuasive proposals to relevant organizations.
- Coordinated, planned and led practices for musical components of church services.
- Maintained calendars of events and assisted in event planning.
- Composed and led performances for both vocal and instrumental music.
- Streamlined administrative processes for scheduling rehearsals, coordinating performance logistics, and managing budgetary concerns.
- Worked with both adults and children and shaped approaches to align with student experience level and musical knowledge.
- Educated students on proper vocal techniques and vocal warm-ups.
- Inspired a love of choral music in students, leading to an increase in choir participation and student retention.
Choir Director
23 Years 2 Months- Directed choir rehearsals, selecting vocal arrangements and preparing singers for worship services.
- Led sectional practice sessions, improving blend, pitch, and ensemble consistency.
- Recruited and trained volunteer singers, strengthening choir readiness and retention.
- Coordinated music ministry schedules, aligning choir participation with liturgical calendar and special services.
- Selected appropriate sacred music, balancing congregational needs with worship themes.
- Managed accompaniment coordination with musicians, ensuring smooth transitions during services.
- Evaluated vocal performance, providing constructive feedback to enhance technique and confidence.
- Organized special presentations, supporting seasonal programs, cantatas, and community worship events.
- Inspired a love of choral music in students, leading to an increase in choir participation and student retention.
- Educated students on proper vocal techniques and vocal warm-ups.
- Worked with both adults and children and shaped approaches to align with student experience level and musical knowledge.
- Increased community engagement with regular public concerts and events showcasing the choir's talent.
- Organized successful fundraising campaigns to support the ongoing costs of maintaining a high-quality choral program.
- Mentored individual choir members, providing personalized guidance on vocal technique, stage presence, and musicianship for improved performance quality.
- Streamlined administrative processes for scheduling rehearsals, coordinating performance logistics, and managing budgetary concerns.
- Composed and led performances for both vocal and instrumental music.
- Maintained calendars of events and assisted in event planning.
- Coordinated, planned and led practices for musical components of church services.
- Submitted, managed and complied with established budgets.
- Arranged music, solos and instrumental accompaniment for special performances.
- Secured grant funding for new resources, equipment, and professional development opportunities by submitting persuasive proposals to relevant organizations.
- Expanded the choir membership through targeted recruitment efforts and auditions, resulting in a more versatile ensemble.
- Positioned members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
- Directed groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Determined voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos and tone balances required to achieve effects desired in each musical composition.
- Transposed pieces from one instrument to another and one key to another to accommodate client and musician preferences.
Education
High School Diploma
Firefighter I & II - First Responder
Hazmat - Rope Rescue - NIMS - Technical Rescue - First Responder
Skills
Structural firefighting
First aid certified
Fire prevention
Stress resilience
Medical response
Physical fitness training
Emergency scene management
Medical equipment usage
Emergency response
Vehicle extrication
Fire suppression
Emergency medical treatment
Firefighting
Leadership and supervision
Community relations
Emergency management
Search and rescue techniques
Emergency medical treatment
Equipment maintenance and repair
Radio communication proficiency
Fire pump operation
Fire hose deployment
Fire prevention
Apparatus inspection
Fireground communications
Community education
Emergency support
Self-contained breathing apparatus
Medical administration
Emergency communications
Fire suppression
Map reading and navigation
Trauma assessments
Relationship management
Fire suppression
Cooperative relationships
Fire containment
Patient care documentation
Fire hydrant operation
Forcible entry techniques
Confined space rescue
Fire investigation techniques
Emergency response procedures
Fire suppression tools operations
Public safety and security
Fire behavior analysis
Fire apparatus operation
Hazardous materials handling
Equipment maintenance and repair
Triaging
Community education
Burning building entry tactics
Incident command system
Critical incident stress management
Medical team collaboration
Hazard prevention
Emergency pharmacology
Dispatch
Incident response coordination
Report writing
Public education programs
Wildland firefighting
Ventilation techniques
Rescue operations expertise
Operations management
Emergency communication strategies
Conditions assessment
Equipment evaluation
Fire service
Personnel management
Fire inspection suppression
Fire alarm response
Incident command system
Hose connections
High angle rope rescue
Prevention strategies
Crisis response planning
Swift water rescue
Resource allocation
Multi-casualty incident response
Command center monitoring
Fire regulations expertise
Performance evaluation
Care plan development
Proposal development
Safety plan creation
Fire inspection suppression
Trench collapse rescue
Community outreach
Fire safety compliance
Fire protection system testing
Hazard control
Weather assessment
Fire management
Timeline
Choir Director
Riegelwood Baptist Church
11.2011 - 02.2015Read More
Firefighter /EMS Coordinator
Acme-Delco Riegelwood Fire-Rescue
07.2001 - CurrentRead More
Choir Director
Livingston Baptist Church
09.1988 - 11.2011Read More
Owner/Operations Manager
Columbus Pallet Company INC
06.1984 - CurrentRead More
Southeastern Community College
Firefighter I & II from First Responder
Read More
Wilmington Christain Academy
High School Diploma
Read More
Cape Fear Community College
Hazmat - Rope Rescue - NIMS - Technical Rescue from First Responder
Read More