Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

JOHN GISH

East Dundee,Il.

Summary

Dedicated firefighting professional with great leadership, planning and scene management abilities. Talented in keeping crew members at peak performance with continuous training and expert motivational talents. Ready for any challenge and certified in multiple areas. Experienced Fire Officer offering extensive list of successes building and leading talented teams in training, drills and high-danger emergency events. Highly committed to safety and continuous provision of quality emergency response. Equipped with strong background overseeing group efforts across diverse facilities ranging in size and complexity. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Fire Marshal

Elgin Fire Department
Elgin
03.2024 - Current

Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Fire Prevention Division and associated community risk reduction programs. Evaluate Fire Prevention Division activities and goals on a regular basis and make adjustments as appropriate. Coordinate the fire prevention activities with other programs of the District and engine companies. Directly supervise and evaluate assigned employees by applying District policies and procedures. Oversee and review annual inspection program. Interpret codes and mitigate solutions for Fire Prevention and Suppression personnel and building/business owners. Develop, implement and conduct procedural methods and practices for reviewing plans, conducting inspections and investigating fire loss incidents. Conduct field inspections of construction projects and inspect buildings and facilities as necessary. Evaluate and enforce existing fire safety conditions and Federal, State and local codes applicable to fire safety. Assist in the development and implementation of District policies, goals, objectives and priorities and recommend policy, procedure and ordinance revisions as necessary. Prepare and administer Fire Prevention budget, based on goals and objectives of Fire Prevention Division.

Meet with and assist architects, engineers, contractors and others involved in development and construction activities where fire codes, ordinances or standards may affect such activities. Provide fire prevention content training to District personnel. Conduct and oversee emergency scene and fire investigations, determine cause and origin, and coordinate activities with law enforcement. Maintain complete and permanent records of all Fire Prevention Division activities including: public education contacts, inspections made, conditions corrected, citizen complaints, special hazards, the cause of fires occurring within the District, the owner and occupant of the property involved, and loss of such property and other information considered necessary. Submit monthly and annual reports to the Fire Chief summarizing fire prevention activities. Attend regional and state meetings of related agencies, and other relevant meetings/ conferences to maintain current knowledge of regional affairs, with impact to Fire Prevention activities. Stay current with code interpretations, fire investigation and public education programs/techniques.

  • Implemented new record-keeping systems for improved tracking of inspections, permits, and violations.
  • Reviewed construction projects from a fire code perspective to ensure adherence to all relevant regulations before approval was granted.
  • Streamlined permit processes for efficient handling of building plans, ensuring prompt approval or necessary corrections.
  • Improved fire safety by conducting thorough inspections and enforcing compliance with codes and regulations.
  • Assisted in the development of municipal ordinances related to fire prevention and life safety measures.

Asst. Fire Code Official

Elgin Fire Department
Elgin
05.2022 - 03.2024
  • As Asst. Fire Code Official,I perform inspections of buildings, structures, facilities and special events for fire/life safety violations. Perform inspections and acceptance tests on fire protection systems such as fire alarms, fire sprinklers, fire pumps and other life safety systems. Witness fire flow tests, and fire pump test performed by third party companies. Perform fire flow test to confirm city's water system is still having proper flows for fire suppression systems and hydrant flows for fire suppression activities. I perform plan reviews to verify they meet all life safety codes, also review fire alarms, fire pumps, fire sprinklers, Areas of Refuge and Firework shows for code compliance. Write fines and tickets for fire code and life safety code violations and adjudication appear in court as a witness. Evaluate new codes and write amendments to be adopted by city council. Attend Problem Properties meetings with neighborhood services, code enforcement and community development. Attend pre-construction meetings for new developments and buildings being built within city limits.

Fire Inspector/ Public Education Specialist

Skokie Fire Department
Skokie
08.2021 - 05.2022
  • I perform inspections of buildings, structures, and facilities for fire/life safety violations. Perform inspections on fire protection systems that have been installed and notified. Witness fire flow tests and fire pump test performed by third party companies. Perform fire educational activities in schools, clubs, service organizations and public events. Draft public educational articles to be published for Village Newsletter, and Village Social Media. Assist with updating and drafting Village Ordinances and codes. Developed a Citizen Fire Academy for the residents of the Village of Skokie.Perform other duties assigned by fire prevention captain and administration.

Deputy Fire Marshal

Lathrop-Manteca Fire District
Lathrop-Manteca
11.2019 - 08.2021
  • Oversee the Fire Prevention Bureau at the direction of the Fire Chief/Fire Marshal. Enforce the California Fire Code and California Code of Regulations. Perform Plan Checks, Fire Inspections and Fire Investigations. Attend Development Review Committee Meetings with the City of Lathrop, City of Lathrop Planning Commission Meetings and City Of Lathrop Code Enforcement Meetings .Member of San Joaquin County Fireworks Task Force were we targeted to use, sale and transportation of illegal fireworks. Performed transactions with illegal fireworks sellers that were targeted through social media postings. Perform water flow tests and any other assignments assigned by the fire chief.

Board Chairman

Lathrop-Manteca Fire District
Lathrop-Manteca
12.2018 - 07.2019
  • Contributed to values, goals and strategic vision of organization.
  • Led organization in setting goals and strategies.
  • Assisted with drafting and overseeing of the Annual Budget.
  • Assisted with drafting of new policies and update out of date policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Represented the fire district at Special District activities throughout California.Fostered collaboration among board members, Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
  • Drove strategic planning efforts to align with company vision and long-term objectives.
  • Assisted with development of organizational budgets and resource allocation plans,promoting open communication and shared decision making.
  • Chaired monthly and special meetings, disseminating information, and fielded questions.

Battalion Chief/Deputy Fire Marshal/EMS Chief

French Camp-McKinley Fire District
French Camp-McKinley
04.2017 - 03.2019
  • I'm the "B" Shift Battalion Chief responsible for 2 Stations, 1 in French Camp and the other in Mountain House. I respond to all fires, vehicle accidents, Haz-mats, rescues and any EMS above normal medical issues. Was appointed the EMS Chief after completing our Fire Districts EMS CQI program for the Expanded Scope EMT and now I oversee the program, review PCRs and sign-off on EMS Skills. I attend SJEMSA Liaison Meetings to represent our Fire District. I'm the Deputy Fire Marshal for the Fire District, in which I oversee the Fire Prevention Bureau, do plan checks, inspect County Facilities for State Fire Marshal. Handle all invoicing for Plan Checks, Building Permits and Operational Permits. I'm part of the San Joaquin County Firework Task-Force that's headed by our County District Attorneys Office. I assist the Battalion Chief in charge of Operations with any questions or help he may need. I assist the Battalion Chief/Training Officer with EMS Training in regards to our CQI Program or LEMSA and State Policy charges. I'm the alternate representative of the Fire District in absence of the Fire Chief to County Fire Chiefs Assoc, JRUGG ( Joint Radio Users Group), and DOC (Dispatch Oversight Committee.
  • Spearheaded innovative recruitment efforts that resulted in a more diverse workforce better representing the communities served by the battalion.
  • Developed scheduling and coordination of shift staffing levels, changes and activities.
  • Championed advancements in technology usage within the department to improve operational efficiency during both daily activities and emergency situations.
  • Managed multiple fire stations effectively, ensuring personnel were properly trained, equipped, and supervised for optimal performance.

Board Member-Vice Chairman

Lathrop-Manteca Fire District
Lathrop-Manteca
12.2017 - 12.2018
  • Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decision making.
  • Assisted with development of organizational budgets and resource allocation plans.
  • Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
  • Assisted with strategic planning efforts to align with company vision and long-term objectives.

Board Member

Lathrop-Manteca Fire District
Lathrop-Manteca
12.2016 - 12.2017
  • Contributed to values, goals and strategic vision of organization.
  • Led organization in setting goals and strategies.
  • Assisted with drafting and overseeing of the Annual Budget.
  • Assisted with drafting of new policies and update out of date policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Represented the fire district at Special District activities throughout California.
  • Fostered collaboration among board members, Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
  • Drove strategic planning efforts to align with company vision and long-term objectives.
  • Assisted with development of organizational budgets and resource allocation plans,promoting open communication and shared decision making.

Captain/Acting Battalion Chief/Deputy Fire Marshal

French Camp-McKinley Fire District
French Camp-McKinley
07.1994 - 03.2017

I'm the "B" Shift Battalion Chief responsible for 2 Stations, 1 in French Camp and the other in Mountain House. I respond to all fires, vehicle accidents, Haz-mats, rescues and any EMS above normal medical issues. Was appointed the EMS Chief after completing our Fire Districts EMS CQI program for the Expanded Scope EMT and now I oversee the program, review PCRs and sign-off on EMS Skills. I attend SJEMSA Liaison Meetings to represent our Fire District. I'm the Deputy Fire Marshal for the Fire District, in which I oversee the Fire Prevention Bureau, do plan checks, inspect County Facilities for State Fire Marshal. Handle all invoicing for Plan Checks, Building Permits and Operational Permits. I'm part of the San Joaquin County Firework Task-Force that's headed by our County District Attorneys Office. I assist the Battalion Chief in charge of Operations with any questions or help he may need. I assist the Battalion Chief/Training Officer with EMS Training in regards to our CQI Program or LEMSA and State Policy charges. I'm the alternate representative of the Fire District in absence of the Fire Chief to County Fire Chiefs Assoc, JRUGG ( Joint Radio Users Group), and DOC (Dispatch Oversight Committee. Over my career with the French Camp Fire District I have held the following positions Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Fire Prevention Captain, Training Captain, Training Officer, and Administrative Captain.

Owner/Operator

J&J Farms and Custom Hay Service
01.1991 - 09.2016

I farmed approx. 1,000 acres of fresh market tomatoes, small grains, many different hay varieties and custom hay service. My Custom Hay Service provided cut, rake, bale and stacking of all types of hay. We did field work for area farmers such as ripping, discing, planting, land leveling and spraying of pesticides and herbicides. Manage advertising of crops that I was producing. Drafted operational budgets for the custom farming business and the actual cropproducing side of the business.

  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
  • Established strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent delivery of goods and services at competitive prices.
  • Ensured compliance with relevant regulations, maintaining proper documentation and licensing requirements.

Reserve Firefighter

French Camp-McKinley Fire District
French Camp-McKinley
09.1994 - 12.1994

-Was a on call reserve firefighter that responded to emergency calls that we were toned out to assist fulltime firefighter.

-Work 24 hour shifts when asked by Administrative Captain.

-Attend training classes and drills to increase knowledge of firefighting and emergency medical procedures.

Education

Associate of Science - Fire Science

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL
11.2022

Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL
04.2022

Skills

  • Firefighter Safety
  • Fireground Tactics
  • Emergency Management
  • Fire Prevention
  • Emergency Response Planning
  • Incident Command System
  • Wildland Firefighting
  • Code Compliance
  • Fire Service Administration
  • Fire suppression
  • Emergency Response Procedures
  • Personnel Management
  • Facility and equipment maintenance

Certification

  • Certified Fire Inspector 1 (International Code Council)
  • Illinois Fire Inspector 1& 2
  • Illinois Basic Fire Prevention Officer
  • Illinois Advance Fire Prevention Officer
  • Illinois Fire & Life Safety Educator 1
  • Pro Board Fire & Life Safety Educator
  • Illinois Tier 2 Qualified Fire Official
  • Illinois Youth Fire Setter Intervention Specialist
  • Supervision: Essential Skills & Techniques
  • EMT-D
  • Confined Space Awareness
  • CPR
  • River and Flood Rescue
  • IS-804 & 809
  • Budget and Finance Training
  • ICS-100,200,300
  • Fire Instructor 1A & 1B
  • Fire Instructor 1
  • Law and Fire Disaster Management Course for Supervisor
  • Haz-Mat FRO Operational & Decon
  • Fire Prevention 1A,1B,1C
  • IS-700 & 800
  • Fire Investigation 1A
  • Fire Fighter 1 & 2
  • CSFM Outdoor Aerial Fireworks
  • CSFM/ NFPA Plan Examiner
  • Fire Command 1A,1B, 1C
  • Ethical Leadership in the Classroom
  • Low Angle Rope Rescue
  • Conducts & Ethics – Elected Local Public Agencies
  • Auto Extrication
  • Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Awareness
  • PC832
  • State Fire Officer
  • Fire Control 5 (ARFF)
  • Rescue Systems 1
  • Trench Rescue
  • Fire Inspector 2A ,2B, 2C, 2D
  • Youth Fire Prevention Program
  • Wildland S190, S215, S230, S231,,S290
  • Propane Safety Seminar
  • Occupied Structural Firefighting/ Truck Company Operations
  • FEMA Fundamentals of Emergency Management
  • FEMA Emergency Planning
  • FEMA Public Information Officer Awareness
  • FEMA Active Shooter
  • FEMA Emergency Support Functions (Search & Rescue)
  • FEMA Emergency Support Function (Firefighting)
  • NFA Awareness of Command & Control Decision Making at Multiple Alarm Incidents
  • NFA Fire Prevention Organization and Management
  • NFA Introduction to Fire &EMS Supervision and Management
  • NFA Hydraulic Calculations for Water-Based Fire Protection System Plan Reveiw
  • NFA Hazardous Materials for Inspectors
  • NFA Principles of Building Construction
  • NFA Alternative Water Supply: Planning and Implementing Programs
  • NFA Testing & Evaluation of Water Supplies for Fire Protection
  • NFA Community Safety Educator
  • NFA Introduction to Emergency Response to Terrorism

Accomplishments

  • Eagle Scout – Boy Scouts of America
  • National Honor Camping Society – Vigil Honor
  • California State Fire Marshal Fire Officer
  • California State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1&2
  • California State Fire Marshal Fire Instructor 1
  • Future Farmers of America – Honorary State Farmer, State Farmer, Chapter Farmer
  • Future Farmers of America Manteca Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary
  • Boy Scouts of America – Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster
  • Chairman and prior Vice-Chairman Lathrop-Manteca Fire Protection District
  • Omega Nu Lamba – National Honor Society for Online Students
  • The National Leadership Society of Leadership and Success

Timeline

Fire Marshal

Elgin Fire Department
03.2024 - Current

Asst. Fire Code Official

Elgin Fire Department
05.2022 - 03.2024

Fire Inspector/ Public Education Specialist

Skokie Fire Department
08.2021 - 05.2022

Deputy Fire Marshal

Lathrop-Manteca Fire District
11.2019 - 08.2021

Board Chairman

Lathrop-Manteca Fire District
12.2018 - 07.2019

Board Member-Vice Chairman

Lathrop-Manteca Fire District
12.2017 - 12.2018

Battalion Chief/Deputy Fire Marshal/EMS Chief

French Camp-McKinley Fire District
04.2017 - 03.2019

Board Member

Lathrop-Manteca Fire District
12.2016 - 12.2017

Reserve Firefighter

French Camp-McKinley Fire District
09.1994 - 12.1994

Captain/Acting Battalion Chief/Deputy Fire Marshal

French Camp-McKinley Fire District
07.1994 - 03.2017

Owner/Operator

J&J Farms and Custom Hay Service
01.1991 - 09.2016

Associate of Science - Fire Science

Columbia Southern University

Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration

Columbia Southern University
JOHN GISH