John Ard
Ponder,TX
Summary
Experienced Fire Chief with over 26 years of experience in municipal government and more than 22 years in the fire service. Offers an extensive track record of success in building and leading talented teams. Highly committed to safety and ensuring high-quality professional emergency response. Dedicates to fire suppression, fire education, protection, and community safety. Possesses extensive knowledge of safety procedures, budget preparation, forecasting, and personnel management. Utilizes leadership skills developed throughout career to effectively manage teams. Known for quick and accurate assessment of situations and response with effective solutions. Maintains a solid reputation for superior performance, leadership, accuracy, and strong decision-making ability.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Fire Chief
Westlake Fire-EMS Department
10.2023 - Current
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Managed department budget effectively, prioritizing essential equipment purchases and maintenance without compromising safety standards.
- Established strong relationships with local government officials to secure necessary funding and resources for the department''s needs.
- Supervised incident command operations, ensuring proper coordination among on-scene personnel and effective communication with external agencies.
- Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
- Promoted public trust in the department by maintaining transparency in operations, addressing concerns from community members, and ensuring accountability among staff members at all levels.
- Improved emergency response times by implementing new dispatch procedures and optimizing resource allocation.
Deputy Fire Chief – Fire Marshal
Westlake Fire Department
09.2016 - Current
- Company Overview: Town of Westlake
- Performs highly responsible executive managerial and administrative work in operations, planning, organizing, and directing all activities of the Fire Department
- Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates fire suppression, training, fire prevention, rescue and emergency medical service programs necessary for the community’s protection
- Responsible for compliance with departmental policies, operating procedures, and special instructions from the Fire Chief
- Town of Westlake
Fire Marshal/Part-time
Westlake Fire Department
12.2013 - 09.2016
- Company Overview: Town of Westlake
- Town of Westlake
Driver/Engineer
Southlake DPS-Fire Services
03.2013 - 09.2016
- Company Overview: City of Southlake
- City of Southlake
Firefighter/Paramedic
Southlake DPS-Fire Services
01.2010 - 03.2013
- Company Overview: City of Southlake
- City of Southlake
Fire Inspector
Southlake DPS-Fire Services
04.2002 - 01.2010
- Company Overview: City of Southlake
- City of Southlake
Education
Associate of Science - Fire Science
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Master of Public Administration -
Stephen F. Austin State University
Skills
- Servant Leadership
- Crisis Management
- Personnel Training
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Public Relations
- Emergency Response Procedures
- Excellent Communication
- Staff Development
- Workload prioritization
- Interagency Coordination
Personal Information
Fire Service Chief Executive Officer – Texas A&M University
Certified Fire Executive (CFE) - Texas Fire Chief Association
Weldon Cooper LEAD Certified – University of Virginia
Firefighter - Master
Fire Inspector - Master
Arson Investigator - Master
Fire Investigator – Master
Licensed Paramedic
Fire Instructor II
Fire Officer IV
Driver/Operator
Hazardous Materials Technician
Peace Officer - Basic
Incident Safety Officer
Professional Recognition
- Life Saving Awards 2010 & 2013
- Numerous Letters of Commendation for Service Excellence
Timeline
Fire Chief
Westlake Fire-EMS Department
10.2023 - Current
Deputy Fire Chief – Fire Marshal
Westlake Fire Department
09.2016 - Current
Fire Marshal/Part-time
Westlake Fire Department
12.2013 - 09.2016
Driver/Engineer
Southlake DPS-Fire Services
03.2013 - 09.2016
Firefighter/Paramedic
Southlake DPS-Fire Services
01.2010 - 03.2013
Fire Inspector
Southlake DPS-Fire Services
04.2002 - 01.2010
Associate of Science - Fire Science
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Master of Public Administration -
Stephen F. Austin State University
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