Joe Frank
Battalion Chief Candidate
Concrete
Summary
Experienced fire and EMS leader with over 20 years of progressive responsibility across operations, administration, training, and special projects. Currently serving in Captain and Acting Battalion Chief roles, with a demonstrated record of command decision-making, program implementation, and interagency leadership. Proven ability to lead people, manage risk, and advance organizational objectives while maintaining strong community trust.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
Work History
EMS Captain
Bellingham Fire Department
01.2017 - Current
- Provides leadership and oversight of department ALS operations, including daily shift support of 4 ALS units, clinical QA/QI, training coordination, protocol compliance, equipment readiness, and mentoring of paramedics. Helped establish BPD SWAT TEMS and BFD CPR committee, leading both groups since 2016.
Captain Acting Battalion Chief
Skagit County Regional Fire Authority
11.2003 - Current
- Staff 24-hour Battalion Chief shifts, providing incident command, operational oversight, and personnel leadership. Support response consistency, command coverage, and interagency coordination in a rural/combination system. Helped establish policies, procedures, standard operating guidelines, and job roles.
Education
Prerequisites - Paramedicine
Skagit Valley College
Mount Vernon, WAParamedic Certificate - Paramedicine
Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham, WA12-2007
Skills
Advanced life support
Program Development
Organizational skills
Personnel supervision
Customer service
Interpersonal skills
Adaptability
Problem-solving aptitude
Training and mentoring
Accomplishments
- Key contributor to the implementation of Washington State's first Community Paramedicine protocols.
- Assisted in expanding Washington State paramedic formulary by adding four medications.
- Development of BPD SWAT TEMS program
- Founding member of BFD CPR Committee
Affiliations
- Founding member, Bellingham Police Department TEMS cadre
- Served as TEMS team lead beginning in 2016
- Extensive experience in joint fire, EMS, and law enforcement operations
- Strong background in high-risk medicine and coordinated response environments
Certification
National Registry Paramedic – State of Washington
Timeline
EMS Captain
Bellingham Fire Department
01.2017 - Current
Captain Acting Battalion Chief
Skagit County Regional Fire Authority
11.2003 - Current
Prerequisites - Paramedicine
Skagit Valley College
Paramedic Certificate - Paramedicine
Bellingham Technical College
TRAINING & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
- Former East County EMS Training Coordinator for Aero Skagit
- Assisted implemention countywide training hubs and standardized curriculum
- Fire Instructor, local and international academy instructor
- DoD EMS Instructor (2022-2023) supporting federal training standards
- Mentor and coach developing officers and paramedics
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Lead with accountability, humility, and service. Focused on supporting personnel, managing risk, and strengthening operational readiness while advancing the mission and values of the fire department and upholding the BFD Battalion Chief brand.