John Lapenta
South Lyon,MI
Summary
Dedicated emergency responder and leader offering a combination of hands-on firefighting and team building skills. Committed to continuous improvements through training and education. Achieved by following industries best practices with commitment to safety and efficiency. Highly skilled in Technical Rescue, leadership and a perpetual "student of the craft". Experienced Fire Instructor, mentor and problem solver within high-pressure environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Equipment Operator
City Of Northville DPW
Northville, MI
11.2014 - Current
- Provided customer service to residents, visitors, and business owners.
- Ensured proper operation and maintenance of public utilities (Water, storm and sanitary sewer).
- Evaluated soil composition before commencing operations in order to determine necessary precautions needed for safe operations.
- Provided training for new operators on proper operation of various pieces of equipment.
- Located and marked underground pipes and wires to identify safe digging locations.
- Installed underground utilities such as water lines, sewer lines and storm drains.
- Operated a variety of heavy construction equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators to perform various tasks in the maintenance and repair of public works projects.
- Assisted with snow removal operations by plowing streets and clearing sidewalks using snowplows.
- Responded quickly to service requests from citizens regarding public works issues.
Rescue Team Manager
Western Wayne County USAR
Northville, MI
07.2007 - Current
- Manage personnel and coordinate rescue efforts.
- Extensive training in all technical rescue disciplines.
- Create IAP (Incident Action Plans).
- Conduct AAR (After Action Reviews).
- Assist with creating and maintaining team budget.
- Contributed expertise to high-performance search and rescue team operations and training.
- Executed search and rescue tasks, utilizing hand and power tools, hydraulic tools, and other extrication equipment.
- Conducted search and rescue operations, quickly analyzed medical emergencies and administered first aid to injured persons.
Fire Lieutenant/ Training Officer
City of Northville
Northville, MI
09.2001 - Current
- Directed and coordinated firefighting operations to ensure safety of personnel, property, and the public.
- Developed and implemented training programs for firefighters.
- Performed fundamental firefighter and driver duties.
- Responded to fire and emergency alarms and evaluated emergency to direct company operations.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational procedures, policies, and practices.
- Conducted fire prevention and suppression operations.
- Prepared records and reports of department responses to fires or other emergencies.
- Coordinated activities with other agencies during emergency incidents.
- Ensured that all personnel adhered to established standards for conduct, behavior, and dress code requirements.
- Represented the department at conferences, conventions or seminars as required.
- Facilitated interagency coordination among various organizations involved in emergency response operations.
- Cleaned, serviced and maintained fire apparatus in condition of readiness and performed general maintenance of fire department property.
- Maintained relationships with external vendors providing specialized training services when needed.
- Created and utilized successful lesson plans to train on outlined material.
- Modified teaching strategies to customize lesson plans for different student needs.
- Determined training needs and developed related classes.
- Organized training sessions and qualifications for personnel.
- Advised management on best practices for employee development initiatives.
- Explained goals and expectations required of personnel.
- Selected and assigned instructors to conduct training.
- Remained up-to-date with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books or magazine articles.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
Schoolcraft College
Livonia, MI05-2003
Skills
- Customer Service
- Emergency Medical Treatment
- Incident Safety
- Personnel Management
- Fire Prevention
- Public Education
- Staff Development and Leadership
- Facility and Equipment Maintenance
- Emergency Response Procedures
- Fire Department Procedures
Accomplishments
- 2005- Deployed to the Gulf Coast for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma
- 2006- Firefighter of the Year
- 2011- Deployed to New York for Hurricane Irene
- 2016- Awarded Northville PD 'Departmental Citation' for assisting Officers during an extremely hostile situation.
- 2017- Awarded Novi FD 'Unit Citation' in response to a multi-fatality house fire.
Certification
- Fire Officer III
- Fire Instructor II
- EMT
- FEMA 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
- Rope Rescue Technician
- Trench Rescue Technician
- Structural Collapse Technician
- Confined Space Technician
- Machine Rescue Technician
- Extrication/ Heavy Truck Technician
- Ice Rescue Technician
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sr. Equipment Operator
City Of Northville DPW
11.2014 - Current
Rescue Team Manager
Western Wayne County USAR
07.2007 - Current
Fire Lieutenant/ Training Officer
City of Northville
09.2001 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
Schoolcraft College