Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Awards
Timeline
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Jim Ray

Battalion Chief
Northport

Summary

Personable and decisive leader with strong aptitude for strategic planning and team coordination. Possesses in-depth understanding of emergency response protocols and advanced firefighting techniques, coupled with proficiency in resource management and incident command systems. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring safety of all personnel.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience
16
16
Certifications

Work History

Battalion Chief

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
02.2016 - Current
  • Served as Logistics Chief, Training Chief and Line Battalion Chief (currently)
  • Exemplified a commitment to excellence throughout my tenure as Battalion Chief, consistently receiving positive performance evaluations for my ability to deliver results within challenging environments.
  • Enhanced firefighter safety through the implementation of comprehensive training programs and adherence to strict safety guidelines.
  • Established strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses to increase engagement and support for fire department initiatives.
  • Developed scheduling and coordination of shift staffing levels, changes and activities.
  • Supervised and coordinated tactical methodology used in resolving emergencies and other situations.
  • Determined how to deploy personnel during periods requiring special fire department response and assigned activities.
  • Collaborated with neighboring jurisdictions on regional emergency preparedness plans to ensure seamless response capabilities across borders during large-scale events or disasters.
  • Spearheaded innovative recruitment efforts that resulted in a more diverse workforce better representing the communities served by the battalion.
  • Maintained high levels of readiness by regularly evaluating equipment inventory, personnel training, and overall resource availability within the battalion.
  • Reviewed fire reports of station officers to verify accuracy and completeness.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership in high-pressure situations, successfully guiding teams through complex emergency incidents while minimizing risks to both responders and civilians.
  • Oversaw budget management processes, ensuring proper allocation of resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility at all times.
  • Managed multiple fire stations effectively, ensuring personnel were properly trained, equipped, and supervised for optimal performance.
  • Oversaw the successful coordination of inter-agency communication during large-scale incidents, fostering collaboration among various public safety agencies.
  • Served as an effective liaison between firefighters under my command and upper-level administration to address concerns promptly while still upholding department policies and procedures.
  • Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
  • Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
  • Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
  • Served on the City's Safety Committee as TFR representative helping to ensure safe environments in all departments.
  • Served on the City's Accident Review Board as TFR representative.
  • Served on TFR interview and hiring committee.
  • Rewrote the hiring process policy and created the Smartsheet that is currently used in that process

Fire Captain

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
08.2010 - 04.2016
  • Served as Captain of Truck 31 and Station 8
  • Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
  • Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
  • Made daily inspections of facilities and equipment.
  • Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
  • Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
  • Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.

Fire Lieutenant

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
01.2006 - 01.2010
  • Served as a Lieutenant at Engine 7 and Engine 5
  • Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
  • Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
  • Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
  • Directed work of 4 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires and responding to medical emergencies.
  • Created comprehensive pre-incident planning documents to facilitate efficient responses in high-risk environments.
  • Streamlined equipment maintenance processes, ensuring optimal performance during critical situations.

Adjunct Instructor

Alabama Fire College
01.2018 - Current
  • Taught Fire Officer, Fire Instructor series locally and off-site locations
  • Served as proctor and conducted testing
  • Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
  • Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
  • Mentored struggling students with targeted one-on-one assistance, leading to improved academic performance.
  • Tailored lesson plans to accommodate various learning styles, resulting in better understanding for all students.
  • Created and implemented course agendas, lesson plans and activities to successfully meet course objectives.

Military Police Soldier

Alabama Army National Guard
06.1993 - 09.2001
  • Secured and protected military property, assets, and personnel.
  • Operated and maintained armored vehicles.
  • Demonstrated adaptability in diverse environments, including overseas deployments in support of combat operations or humanitarian relief missions.
  • Provided valuable assistance to victims of crimes, offering support services while also collecting essential evidence for case resolution.
  • Participated in rigorous training exercises to maintain proficiency in advanced law enforcement techniques, tactics, and equipment.
  • Contributed to a secure environment by performing thorough inspections at entry control points and enforcing access restrictions.
  • Maintained order during special events by providing crowd control, traffic management, and incident response services when necessary.

Tuscaloosa Firefighter Benefit Fund Vice President

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
10.2017 - Current

Helped manage 1 million dollar fund that assists Firefighters in need

Education

Fire Officer IV - Multiple Certifications

Alabama Fire College
Tuscaloosa
05.2001 -

No Degree - Landscape Contracting

Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS
05.2001 -

No Degree - General Studies

Shelton State Community College
Tuscaloosa, AL
05.2001 -

No Degree - Command And Control of Fire Department Operations

National Fire Academy
Emmitsburg, MD
05.2001 -

No Degree - Emergency Medical Services Incident Operations

National Fire Academy
Emmitsburg, MD
05.2001 -

No Degree - Interpersonal Dynamics in Fire Service Org.

National Fire Academy
Emmitsburg, MD
05.2001 -

No Degree - Military Police Course

United States Army Military Police School
Fort McClellan, AL
05.2001 -

Skills

    Incident command

    Firefighting operations

    Emergency response procedures

    Training programs

    Staff development

    Disaster preparedness

    Excellent communication

    Decision-making

    Adaptability and flexibility

    Adaptability

Accomplishments

    · Began the Off-Duty training program

    · Purchased, built, and implemented Target Solutions (Vector Solutions)

    · Served as liaison between the TCEMA and LEPC

    · Rewrote, edited and maintained every TFR OG and Policy

    · Conducted hands on live training at University Manor Apartments and Tutwiler

    · Helped create the recruiting committee, purchased marketing materials, assembled the team and attended several events

    · Attended multiple conferences and training events

    · Wrote the grant that brought Peer Fitness and Peer Support programs to TFR

    · Conducted the promotional process several times at TFR

    · Worked in Incident Command (Human Resources) during COVID and Fire Branch during the 2011 Tornado Response

    · Worked with Special Projects Captain on the creation of several Smartsheets forms still in use (Training Request, Step up forms)

Certification

EMT-Paramedic

Awards

Exemplary Service Award- October 2018

Fire Chief's Unit Commendation- October 2014

Fire Chief's Unit Commendation-October 2014

Company Commendation-January 2023

Exemplary Service Award- Honor Guard- May 2011



Timeline

Fire Instructor III

08-2022

Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy

05-2019

Adjunct Instructor

Alabama Fire College
01.2018 - Current

Tuscaloosa Firefighter Benefit Fund Vice President

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
10.2017 - Current

Fire Chief's Executive Development Program

02-2017

Battalion Chief

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
02.2016 - Current

NIMS ICS 300-400

04-2012

Fire Captain

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
08.2010 - 04.2016

RT: Structural Collapse

05-2010

RT: Trench

03-2010

RT: Vehicle and Machinery

01-2010

RT:Confined Space

10-2009

RT: Rope

09-2009

Fire Investigator

12-2007

Fire Officer IV

12-2006

Fire Inspector

03-2006

Fire Lieutenant

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
01.2006 - 01.2010

Fire Department Safety Officer

01-2006

Aircraft Rescue Firefighting

09-2005

HAZMAT Technician

09-2003

Fire Officer IV - Multiple Certifications

Alabama Fire College
05.2001 -

No Degree - Landscape Contracting

Mississippi State University
05.2001 -

No Degree - General Studies

Shelton State Community College
05.2001 -

No Degree - Command And Control of Fire Department Operations

National Fire Academy
05.2001 -

No Degree - Emergency Medical Services Incident Operations

National Fire Academy
05.2001 -

No Degree - Interpersonal Dynamics in Fire Service Org.

National Fire Academy
05.2001 -

No Degree - Military Police Course

United States Army Military Police School
05.2001 -

EMT-Paramedic

08-1999

Military Police Soldier

Alabama Army National Guard
06.1993 - 09.2001
Jim RayBattalion Chief