John F. Ross IV
Ozark,AL
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented fire service executive with over 13 years of experience spanning federal, military, and municipal departments. Demonstrated success in operational command, personnel management, and resource optimization, having served in key leadership roles, including Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams of up to 28 personnel while managing 27 apparatus and life-saving equipment. Highly credentialed, educated, and trained with over 40 fire-related certifications, 2 fire-centric college degrees, and extensive leadership training across 8 civilian and military courses. Trusted by senior Army, Air Force, and fire department leadership to drive operational excellence, ensure compliance, and implement strategic initiatives that enhance safety and efficiency. Adept at strategic planning and execution, risk management, command and control, cross-functional collaboration, and high-stakes decision-making in dynamic environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Master Sergeant/Assistant Chief of Operations
Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing
Montgomery, AL
08.2023 - Current
- Soldier and Assistant Chief of Operations (GS-12 equivalent) at the 187th Fighter Wing. Provides emergency protection to Dannelly Field and the Montgomery Regional Airport Authority.
- Filled in as Deputy Fire Chief (GS-13 equivalent) for 32 days while deployed to Airbase 201.
- Former Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention (GS-12 equivalent) who oversaw 2 airbases in West Africa. Managed 4 inspectors, directed 900+ inspections, and piloted project plans review for 31 facilities, including 2 aircraft hangars. Composed risk management assessments advising the base commander of hazard severity and courses of action needed to alleviate the effect and/or frequency of occurrence.
- Served over 4 years as Station Chief (GS-10 equivalent) managing 25 personnel and 7 emergency apparatus. Steered operational flying periods allowing fire protection levels of service to meet NFPA 403 TIG standards.
- Executed vital command and control functions as a Unit Control Center (UCC) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operator, ensuring seamless coordination, real-time communication, personnel accountability, recall activation, and mission continuity during emergency operations and base-wide contingencies.
- Ensures appropriate resources (staffing and fire apparatus) are in ready response condition, fire station facilities maintained, and firefighter monthly proficiency/certification training is completed.
- In charge of preparing performance reports/evaluation ratings to subordinates based on duties, tasks, and responsibilities performed under Air Force Instruction.
- Mentors all personnel seeking to better themselves on personal and/or professional levels; dedicated to coaching and compelling individuals into becoming better leaders.
- Certified in Munitions Firefighting.
- Experience with the following aircraft: A-10, AV-8, C-5, C-17, C-130, E-3, F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, F-35, KC-10, KC-30, KC-135, RQ-1, RQ-4, RQ-9, T-38, T-6, U-2, V-2, and numerous civilian aircraft type and models.
Supervisory Firefighter/Battalion Chief
Fort Rucker Fire & Emergency Services
Fort Rucker, AL
04.2023 - Current
- Supervisory Firefighter/Battalion Chief that oversees 21 personnel, 10 emergency apparatus, and 4 ARFF and structural fire stations, response readiness, daily activities, and emergency operations.
- Served as Acting Assistant Chief on 33 occasions, covering 60% of the on-duty time this year alone, and effectively managed fireground operations, personnel, and administrative duties.
- Manages daily staffing operations by preparing shift rosters, coordinating voluntary and mandatory overtime, scheduling leave, and executing personnel recall duties to ensure optimal crew readiness and compliance with departmental staffing requirements.
- Conducts fire station inspections, including PPE and uniform inspections, ensuring compliance with safety standards, proper equipment maintenance, and readiness for emergency response, while fostering a culture of accountability and attention to detail.
- Performs administrative duties including the certifier role in ATAAPS, ensuring accurate timecard entries, managing fire department recordkeeping systems, conducting incident and training reviews, monitoring truck status, and opening/closing work orders to maintain operational efficiency and compliance.
- Oversees monthly, quarterly, and annual training requirements for 21 firefighters, including EMS recertification, mandatory CBTs, and fire department company training, ensuring compliance with training standards.
- Experience working at the 3rd busiest airspace in the nation, supporting operations for 600 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including AH-64, C-12, CH-47, MI-17, OH-58, TH-67, UH-1, UH-60, and UH-72.
- Facilitates onboarding and offboarding processes by coordinating orientation, mandatory training, and operational integration for incoming and departing personnel, ensuring seamless transitions and adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
- Executes verbal and written counseling, disciplinary actions, and adverse actions for various employee misconduct cases, ranging from reprimands to removal, IAW AR 690-752, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and maintaining organizational discipline and accountability.
- Conducts hiring and promotion panels, evaluating resumes and interviews IAW IMCOM and ID-T civilian hiring policies, EEO regulations, and merit-based selection criteria, ensuring fair and effective talent acquisition and career advancement.
- Ensures compliance with and enforcement of AR, CBA, CFR, DoDI, DOL, EEO, FMR, LMER, NDAA, OPM, SOG/SOP, U.S.C., and other governing regulations as a supervisor, ensuring lawful, fair, and adequate personnel and operational management.
- Manages progress reviews, performance appraisals, and cash and time-off awards IAW AR 672-20, recognizing employee achievements, promoting professional development, and ensuring alignment with Army regulations and performance standards.
- Technically competent in an abundance of computer-based programs, including fire department recordkeeping software, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, research tools, writing applications, and presentation software, ensuring efficiency in data management, documentation, and communication.
Firefighter/Driver Operator/Lead Firefighter
South Alabama Regional Airport
Andalusia, AL
04.2013 - 09.2015
- Directed daily operations and firefighting activities for a team of 3 firefighters and 3 major crash vehicles, ensuring department readiness and compliance with FAA standards and requirements.
- Managed administrative duties for personnel timecards, apparatus fuel/mileage reports, daily logbooks, and inspection/maintenance records for firefighting apparatus, equipment, and facilities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with department protocols.
Firefighter/EMT
City of Troy Fire Department
Troy, AL
12.2013 - 05.2015
- Made critical decisions during complex firefighting and rescue operations, ensuring the preservation of life, property, and the environment while managing high-stakes situations.
- Managed firefighting and rescue operations IAW organizational policies and procedures, assessing unique challenges and risks to determine the most effective approach, ensuring minimal risk to both the team and the public.
Firefighter/EMT
City of Andalusia Fire Department
Andalusia, AL
07.2013 - 03.2014
- Responded to structural fires, aircraft emergencies, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and hazardous material incidents, ensuring prompt and effective action in high-pressure situations to safeguard life and property.
- Coordinated safety inspections and testing of all fire hoses, ladders, fire extinguishers, hydrants, and pump systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational readiness across the organization.
Education
M.S. - Fire Executive Leadership/Public Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL07.2026
B.S. - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL03.2025
A.A.S. - Fire Science
Community College of the Air Force
Maxwell AFB, AL09.2019
Skills
- Training coordination
- Policy implementation
- Operational reporting
- Technical oversight
Certification
Airport Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Technician, Driver/Operator: Aerial, Honor Guard, Driver/Operator: Airport Rescue Fire Fighter, Live Fire Instructor, Instructor-in-Charge, Train-the-Trainer, Driver/Operator: Mobile Water Supply, Driver/Operator: Pumper, Fire & Life Safety Educator I & II, Fire Department Health & Safety Officer, Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, Firefighter I & II, Fire Inspector I, II, & III, Fire Instructor I, II, & III, Fire Investigator I, Fire Officer I, II, III, & IV, Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Basic, State of Alabama Emergency Medical Technician - Basic, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Tier III, ICS-300 - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents for Operational First Responders, ICS-400 - Advanced ICS for Command & General Staff Complex Incidents & MACS for Operations, IS-5.a - Intro to Hazardous Materials, IS-230.d - Fundamentals of Emergency Management, IS-100.c - Intro to ICS, IS-700.b - Intro to NIMS, IS-100.FDA - ICS for Food & Drug Admin, IS-701.a - NIMS Multiagency Coordination System, IS-100.FWa - ICS for Federal Workers, IS-702.a - NIMS Public Information Systems, IS-100.HCb - ICS for Healthcare/Hospitals, IS-703.a - NIMS Resource Management, IS-100.HE - ICS for Higher Education, IS-706 - NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid, IS-100.LEb - ICS for Law Enforcement, IS-800.b - National Response Framework, IS-100.PWb - ICS for Public Works, IS-809 - ESF #9 Search & Rescue, IS-200.b - ICS for Single Resources & IAP, IS-200.HCa - Applying ICS to Healthcare
Timeline
Master Sergeant/Assistant Chief of Operations
Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing
08.2023 - Current
Supervisory Firefighter/Battalion Chief
Fort Rucker Fire & Emergency Services
04.2023 - Current
Firefighter/EMT
City of Troy Fire Department
12.2013 - 05.2015
Firefighter/EMT
City of Andalusia Fire Department
07.2013 - 03.2014
Firefighter/Driver Operator/Lead Firefighter
South Alabama Regional Airport
04.2013 - 09.2015
B.S. - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
A.A.S. - Fire Science
Community College of the Air Force
M.S. - Fire Executive Leadership/Public Administration
Columbia Southern University
Work Email
john.f.ross63.civ@army.mil
Work Phone
(334) 255-3363
Personal Email
jross4bosox@gmail.com
Security Clearance
Secret
Veterans Preference
10-Point
Awards
- Air Force Outstanding Achievement Medal, 2020-07-01
- Army Civilian Service Medal, 2020-10-01
- Fort Rucker Fire Fighter of the Month, 2021-03-01
- Fort Rucker Fire Fighter of the Quarter, 2021-01-01
- Fort Rucker Fire Fighter of the Year, 2021-01-01
- Outstanding Performer for Silver Flag Exercise, 2021-10-01
- Army Civilian Service Medal, 2022-02-01
- Air Force Commendation Medal, 2022-01-01
- Quality Step Increase (QSI), 2025-07-01