Joshua Gherasim
Oak Run,CA
Summary
Cal Fire Fire Apparatus Engineer with diverse fire service experience in Wildland, Structural, Aviation and EMS operations. Demonstrated leadership in training exercises and incident command, ensuring team safety and operational readiness. Skilled in multi-agency coordination, equipment management, and fiscal oversight.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Fire Apparatus Engineer
Cal Fire Shasta-Trinity Unit
08.2022 - Current
- Maintained operational readiness for Type 1, Type 3, and Type 6 fire engines and county water tenders.
- Supervised firefighters during station and fire ground operations, ensuring safety and effective response.
- Functioned as incident commander during initial attack fires, coordinating equipment, pumping operations, and communications.
- Operated pumping systems while managing drafts and maintaining adequate water levels for fire suppression.
- Led multi-company and multi-agency training exercises, enhancing operational readiness and collaboration.
- Conducted routine inspections and maintenance on firefighting equipment.
- Diagnosed mechanical problems with engines and transmissions through inspections and test drives, facilitating timely repairs.
- Managed battalion hose testing and maintained accurate record keeping.
- Assisted station captain with large purchases and repairs by submitting bids and completing CAL FIRE-93 service orders.
- Completed and submitted month-end reports, ordered fuel, and processed MRT requests.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure safe firefighting operations.
Volunteer Firefighter
Mount Shasta Fire Department
Mount Shasta, CA
04.2019 - 01.2022
- Responded to diverse emergency calls, providing medical aid, lift assistance, and rescue operations.
- Delivered immediate assistance at fire scenes, prioritizing safety and effectiveness.
- Managed fire control efforts using various techniques and equipment. using manual and power equipment.
- Conducted fire prevention education programs for local community members.
- Engaged in public outreach initiatives to promote fire safety awareness.
- Inspected and maintained firefighting gear to ensure proper functioning.
- Attended weekly training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Proctored EMT classes at College of the Siskiyous, ensuring compliance with educational standards.
Firefighter 1 (Bieber Helitack)
Cal Fire Lassen Modoc Unit
Bieber, CA
04.2021 - 01.2022
- Assisted in daily load calculations for UH-1H Super Huey Type 2 copter.
- Maintained a clean and sterile cockpit for optimal operations.
- Prepared copter for fire and rescue hoist responses, ensuring readiness.
- Requested water drops during fire operations and executed fire suppression without viable water sources.
- Cleared debris from landing zones to ensure safe operations for incoming aircraft.
- Maintained readiness of firefighting gear and equipment for immediate response.
- Participated in training drills and exercises to maintain proficiency in fire suppression tactics.
- Trained personnel on helicopter hand signals for safe landings and takeoffs.
- Aided pilot during landings, providing critical hazard information.
- Collaborated with helitender on fueling and hoist preparations.
- Trained continuously to maintain required physical fitness for demanding work.
Firefighter 1
Cal Fire Siskiyou Unit
Macdoel, CA
06.2018 - 12.2018
- Maintained operational readiness of fire apparatus and equipment, overseeing inventory of tools and materials, including EMS bags and burn kits.
- Executed daily tasks, including cleaning shared living spaces, apparatus bay maintenance, cooking, and physical training.
- Volunteered at community service events, engaging with residents and organizing community activities like Christmas tree setup for Macdoel City.
- Collaborated with local government to enhance firefighting skills and strengthen inter-agency relationships.
- Coordinated with various agencies to complete prescribed burns and vegetation management projects.
- Managed emergency scenes by combating wildland and structural fires using advanced tactics and tools.
- Performed patient extrication from vehicles, treated injuries, managed traffic control, and led medical calls.
- Operated as part of SKU hand crew for line cutting and supported fuels reduction initiatives.
Tree Trimmer Crew Member
A Cut Above
Mount Shasta, CA
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Safely cleared trees and shrubbery from structures and roadways using chainsaws, mowers, and macitators.
- Operated chainsaws and chippers for efficient tree removal and disposal.
- Utilized climbing gear, chainsaws, pole saws, and other tools for trimming and cutting trees.
- Pruned trees to promote healthy growth and prevent hazards.
- Adhered to safety protocols to minimize risks while working at heights.
- Maintained tools and equipment to ensure safe and effective operation daily.
- Ensured equipment and grounds were well-maintained, earning consistent recognition from crew management.
- Achieved high productivity metrics, resulting in effective deployment of roaming crew members.
- Cleaned job sites after project completion to ensure safety and organization. upon completion of work including sweeping debris away from walkways, driveways, lawns.
Dock Worker
XPO Logistics
Stockton, CA
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Loaded and unloaded cargo from trucks and containers to optimize workflow.
- Operated heavy machinery, including forklifts, to facilitate on-time freight delivery.
- Inspected shipments for damage and accuracy before processing.
- Maintained a clean safety record through careful operational practices.
- Trained new employees on proper handling procedures for heavy machinery and freight loading to ensure safety and compliance.
Dock Worker
Estes West
Stockton, CA
02.2014 - 01.2016
- Loaded trailers with accurate freight using forklifts, supporting timely departures.
- Monitored high-value freight status through safe handling and on-time deliveries.
- Inspected and repaired forklifts, ensuring reliable operation for efficient freight handling.
- Assisted sister terminals in meeting schedules by processing overflow freight on-site.
Education
A.S. - Fire/Emergency Response Technology
College of the Siskiyou
Weed, CA12-2017
A.S. - Fire Technology
Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA05-2017
High School Diploma -
Liberty High School
01-2012
Certification
- License: CDL Class A License (F3298780): Veh., Comb. of Veh., No M/C,
Endorsements: N-Tnk, Fire Fighter Endorsement,
Restrictions: None, Medical:
California EMT (E148045), CPR/AED
Safety: Level 1 Avalanche, 2018 40-Hour Safety Refresher
Award: Certificate of Achievement in Fire Technology
Summery of Training:
- California State Fire Marshall:
- HazMat Incident Commander
- HazMat First Responder Operations and Awareness
- Water Rescue and Operations (2021)
- Fire Control 1, 2, 3B, 6
- Fire Fighter Survival
- Low Angle Rope rescue Operational
- Rope Rescue Awareness and Operations
- Confined Space rescue Awareness
- Flashover Recognition and Survival
- Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician
- Company Officer 2B, 2C
- Firefighter 1
- Cal Fire:
- Basic Helitack Operations and Safety
- Air Rescue Host Operations
- B-Faller
- Cal Fire Firefighter Academy
- Cal Fire Company Officer Academy
- Cal Fire Basic Firefighter
- Wildland Firefighter Safety
- Survival Level 1 & 3
- Basic Purchasing Certification
- C-244 FOBS
- Incident Management 2
- C0254 Base Camp Manager (Trainee)
- Leading & Influencing Training
- Company Officer Training
- NWCG:
- ICS-100, 200, 300
- S-212
- IS-700, 800
- S-215
- S-130, 131
- I-180
- S-190
- FI-110, 210
References
- Greg Tavalero Division Chief
Cal Fire Shasta Trinity Unit
(530) 515-9069 - Dennis Cobb Captain (Retired)
Cal Fire Siskiyou Unit - MacDoel
(530) 526 - 6994 - Kelly Hahn Captain
Cal Fire Siskiyou Unit
(530)598-5440
Timeline
Fire Apparatus Engineer
Cal Fire Shasta-Trinity Unit
08.2022 - Current
Firefighter 1 (Bieber Helitack)
Cal Fire Lassen Modoc Unit
04.2021 - 01.2022
Volunteer Firefighter
Mount Shasta Fire Department
04.2019 - 01.2022
Firefighter 1
Cal Fire Siskiyou Unit
06.2018 - 12.2018
Tree Trimmer Crew Member
A Cut Above
01.2018 - 06.2018
Dock Worker
XPO Logistics
08.2016 - 08.2017
Dock Worker
Estes West
02.2014 - 01.2016
A.S. - Fire/Emergency Response Technology
College of the Siskiyou
A.S. - Fire Technology
Los Medanos College
High School Diploma -
Liberty High School