Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Joseph Weissbard

El Paso,TX
Joseph Weissbard

Summary

I am a highly motivated professional with 26 years of experience in the public sector and over 16 years in a leadership role managing people in high pressure and high stakes situations as well as managing administrative divisions within my department.

I have managed the Regional 911 Communications Center along with the Professional Standards Division, the department's Health and Safety Division and the Training Academy. I have a knack for getting the most out of people and being able to work with a variety of leadership styles and can get to the root of what motivates people.

I am an extremely versatile and adaptable leader.

Overview

26
years of professional experience

Work History

City of El Paso Fire Deparment

Fire Deputy Chief
04.2024 - Current

Job overview

Currently operating as the Deputy Chief of Operations for my respective 24- hour our. In charge of Citywide emergency operations of the fire department to include emergency response, managing 6 Battalion Chiefs throughout the city and managing all staffing levels during my 24-hr tour of duty and am responsible for all emergency response activities of the department during that time.

  • Scheduling training and communicating with all other divisions throughout the department to meet the shift's needs and the strategic goals of my respective division on a daily basis.
  • Providing communication and recommendations to executive managers of the department and keeping them abreast of all department wide operations-level needs and updates
  • Emergency response to major incidents by assisting Battalion Chiefs as a Senior Advisor and communicating with city government officials
  • Previously assigned as the department Training Chief from April 2024 to December 2024 being exclusively in charge of the departments training and professional development programs.
  • Built strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration and drive positive outcomes.
  • Developed strategic plans to address current challenges and future growth opportunities for the organization.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement through employee training, development, and performance management.
  • Served as a mentor to junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices for professional growth and development.
  • Rewrote and updated comprehensive department policies and procedures.
  • Provided oversight and guidance on high-priority projects, ensuring their successful completion within budget and timeline constraints.
  • Evaluated existing programs for effectiveness in meeting organizational goals before recommending changes or adaptations as necessary.

City of El Paso Fire Department

Battalion Chief
09.2020 - 04.2024

Job overview

Battalion Chief of Health and Safety Division and Professional Standards Office Respectively

Administered the departments health and safety program for over 2 years and the Professional Standards Office for 1 year.

  • Was tasked with managing the health and safety program of the department which included tracking injuries, exposures, property loss and damage and maintaining records and reports for the department.
  • Assisted in lowering injury and accident rates by managing data and making recommendations to higher management
  • Responsible for the Peer Support team, department's physical fitness programs, Fit Testing, fitness equipment procurement and maintenance and the administration of the Candidates Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
  • Created Rules and Procedures manual for newly purchased Re-Hab Unit
  • Maintaining and creating timely reports for the Fire Chief and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection related to injury and exposure.
  • As the Chief of Professional Standards Office (PSO) was in charge of internal disciplinary investigations to include off duty conduct and arrest's. This included the recommendations to the Fire Chief on coaching's all the way up to termination of employment and the processing of all internal documentation following legally recommended practices. Worked closely with Human Resources along with law El Paso Police Department
  • Oversaw budget management processes, ensuring proper allocation of resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility at all times.
  • Directed work of up to 40 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
  • Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
  • Managed multiple fire stations effectively, ensuring personnel were properly trained, equipped, and supervised for optimal performance.
  • Served as an effective liaison between firefighters under my command and upper-level administration to address concerns promptly while still upholding department policies and procedures.
  • Established strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses to increase engagement and support for fire department initiatives.
  • Determined how to deploy personnel during periods requiring special fire department response and assigned activities.
  • Conducted thorough incident investigations to identify root causes and determine necessary corrective actions for future prevention.
  • Coordinated fire prevention inspections and pre-planned activities of department.
  • Collaborated with neighboring jurisdictions on regional emergency preparedness plans to ensure seamless response capabilities across borders during large-scale events or disasters.

City of El Paso Fire Department

Fire Captain
05.2016 - 09.2020

Job overview

  • Responsible for the operations of a fire company and emergency response to include facility inspections and public education needs.
  • Mentored new firefighters in developing essential skills and understanding departmental expectations for performance excellence.
  • Led a team of firefighters in extinguishing hazardous material fires, minimizing environmental impact and potential harm to nearby residents.
  • Improved firefighter safety through consistent training sessions and adherence to established guidelines.
  • Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.

El Paso Fire Department

Fire Lieutenant
04.2009 - 05.2016

Job overview

  • Worked in Fire Operations on a Fire Apparatus managing the emergency response of my unit along with conducting building inspections and public education.
  • Directed work of 5 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
  • Prepared reports of fires, equipment and personnel.
  • Mentored new firefighters, fostering a positive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
  • Created comprehensive pre-incident planning documents to facilitate efficient responses in high-risk environments.
  • Conducted thorough post-incident analysis sessions, utilizing lessons learned to refine operational guidelines and enhance future responses in similar situations.
  • Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
  • Established effective communication channels between command staff and frontline responders during high-pressure incidents, ensuring clear directives and information sharing.
  • Evaluated personnel performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and identifying individual strengths to match skill sets with appropriate assignments.
  • Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes for station supplies and equipment, maintaining adequate levels while minimizing waste or excess spending.
  • Enhanced firefighting strategies by conducting regular reviews of incident reports and analyzing trends.
  • Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
  • Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
  • Made daily inspections of facilities and equipment.
  • Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
  • Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
  • Checked fire suppression equipment regularly and oversaw upkeep.
  • Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
  • Created fire prevention courses to educate general public.

El Paso Fire Department

Firefighter Rank
04.1999 - 02.2006

Job overview

  • Was a member of a fire unit and was tasked with emergency response to include fire suppression and emergency medical aid. Tasked with day to day maintenance of fire related equipment and the fire station and assisting with building inspections and public education.
  • Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
  • Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
  • Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
  • Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
  • Conducted search and rescue operations during natural disasters, locating trapped individuals and providing assistance as needed.
  • Monitored and responded to hazardous gas levels and smoke detectors to avoid injuries and fatalities.
  • Coordinated with local schools to conduct fire drills, ensuring students and staff were prepared for real-life emergencies.
  • Improved public awareness and education on fire safety practices through community workshops and school programs.
  • Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
  • Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
  • Completed training to stay in peak physical fitness and handle challenging tasks.
  • Performed maintenance on water tanks, fire hoses and other firefighting equipment.
  • Effectively supported fire suppression by setting up and maintaining water supply lines.
  • Inspected alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for operational use to minimize incidents.
  • Inspected fire and life safety systems and equipment for proper placement at properties.
  • Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
  • Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.

Education

University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

Bachelor of Arts from Multidisciplinary Studies in Behavioral Sciences
12.2016

University Overview

Skills

  • Strong Leadership and Motivational Skills
  • Advance Writing
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Word/Excel Proficient
  • Safety Management
  • Building Construction Knowledge
  • Building Safety Systems

Timeline

Fire Deputy Chief
City of El Paso Fire Deparment
04.2024 - Current
Battalion Chief
City of El Paso Fire Department
09.2020 - 04.2024
Fire Captain
City of El Paso Fire Department
05.2016 - 09.2020
Fire Lieutenant
El Paso Fire Department
04.2009 - 05.2016
Firefighter Rank
El Paso Fire Department
04.1999 - 02.2006
University of Texas At El Paso
Bachelor of Arts from Multidisciplinary Studies in Behavioral Sciences
Joseph Weissbard