Jeremy Shields
Deputy Fire Chief
Collinsville,MS
Summary
Seasoned fire service professional with extensive experience in training and development coordination. Skilled in managing emergency response efforts and collaborating with various agencies. Dedicated to fostering public safety through effective resource allocation and personnel management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Fire Chief
MS Military Department
Meridian, MS
01.2013 - 06.2025
- Managed daily operations of fire department, including personnel, equipment, and facilities.
- Established $3.8m budget for fire department through Master Cooperative Agreement program and ensured efficient allocation of resources.
- Updated department policies and procedures in accordance with changes in local ordinances or national best practices.
- Coordinated with local, state, and federal agencies during emergencies or large-scale incidents.
- Administered personnel operations, discipline and motivation to exceed performance goals.
- Supervised, directed and coordinated department operations as leader of 35 personnel.
- Collaborated with neighboring jurisdictions and State of MS on joint training exercises or emergency response efforts.
- Assumed command at emergency sites and directed crew response.
- Oversaw recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation processes for firefighters and support staff.
- Prevented critical breakdowns by keeping equipment well-maintained.
Instructor
Spec Rescue International
Virginia Beach, VA
11.2008 - 05.2025
- Instructed Rope Rescue Technician, Structural Collapse Specialist, Trench Rescue Technician, and Swiftwater Rescue Technician courses for 17 years.
- Developed hands-on activities to enhance practical application of course concepts.
- Delivered 2 to 4 classes annually, maintaining consistent engagement with students.
Rescue Captain
Philadelphia Fire Department
Philadelphia, MS
07.2010 - 08.2014
- Facilitated ongoing training programs for firefighters to stay updated on latest techniques in firefighting.
- Responded to alarms involving fire, medical aid, gas leaks, hazardous substances and rescue work to foster public safety, health and well-being.
- Participated in community outreach initiatives promoting awareness about fire safety measures among residents.
- Collaborated with other emergency services during disaster relief operations or major incidents.
- Placed fire hoses, operated fire streams, ventilated and entered burning structures to extinguish fires and perform rescue services.
- Mentored junior firefighters during their probationary period to support their professional development.
- Trained firefighters on emergency response techniques, fire equipment usage, and safety procedures.
Task Force Coordinator
MS Office of Homeland Security
Meridian, MS
10.2008 - 07.2010
- Oversaw transition from 9 state Regional Response Teams to 3 Task Force teams to perform Urban Search and Rescue.
- Oversaw Homeland Security grants to provide training and equipment to participating fire departments throughout Mississippi.
- Filled in as Task Force Leader
- Served as Operations Leader at incidents when not filling Task Force Leader role.
- Taught Urban Search and Rescue classes to Mississippi Firefighters.
Education
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.) - Fire Science
Meridian Community College
Meridian, MS05.2022
Skills
- Fireground operations and incident command
- Budgeting and financial oversight
- Policy formulation
- Training and development coordination
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Risk analysis
- Strategic planning
- Emergency management
Certification
- Firefighter I-II
- Airport Firefighter
- Driver Operator Pumper/Tender/ARFF
- Officer 1-4
- Fire Instructor 1-3
- Live Fire Instructor/Instructor in Charge
- Fire Inspector 1-3
- Telecommunicator 1-2
- Health and Safety Officer
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Hazardous Materials Incident Commander
- Incident Command System 700, 800, 100, 200, 300, 400
- Mississippi Smoke Diver
- Confined Space Technician
- Certified Advanced Rescue Specialist
- Structural Collapse Rescue Technician
- Trench Rescue Technician
- Rope Rescue Technician
- Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Timeline
Deputy Fire Chief
MS Military Department
01.2013 - 06.2025
Rescue Captain
Philadelphia Fire Department
07.2010 - 08.2014
Instructor
Spec Rescue International
11.2008 - 05.2025
Task Force Coordinator
MS Office of Homeland Security
10.2008 - 07.2010
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.) - Fire Science
Meridian Community College