Kenneth Hedges
Corinth,TX
Summary
With over a 28 year career at Denton Fire Department, I have excelled in strategic planning, fostering employee development and growth. My leadership significantly enhanced firefighter safety and operational efficiency, managing a $41 million budget and supervising 235 members. I have numerous years experience in labor relations and adept at implementing technology advancements, I drive excellence in emergency services which creates the safest work environment possible.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Chief
Denton Fire Department
04.2018 - Current
- Supervise 235 members with an annual budget over 41 million that operate from nine fire stations and a training facility that provide an all hazards response to 98 square miles in the City of Denton and over 20 square miles of unincorporated county area.
- Establishes and/or approves performance standards governing the quality and quantities of work in the Fire Department; evaluates subordinates progress towards accomplishments of long-term goals as well as daily activities
- Priority focus on firefighter safety and health by creating rank specific task books, leadership plans for all company officers, annual employee physicals, field readiness fitness test for all Operations members and a robust peer support team.
- Continually updates standard operating procedures to reflect advancements in firefighting technology and best practices in the industry
- Confers with and advises staff in preparation and implementation of new programs, coordinates preparation of various operating and administrative reports and participates in annual budget preparation
- Works effectively in fast-paced environments and collaborates across departments to achieve desired goals
- Continually demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Assistant Fire Chief
Denton Fire Department
11.2010 - 04.2018
- Managed the Emergency Services Division to include the Operations section and other sections as assigned by the Fire Chief.
- Assisted in the development of department budgets to ensure adequate funding for personnel, equipment, and training.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices, ensuring the highest quality of service for the community.
- Strengthened interdepartmental communication through collaboration across the various divisions
- Responded to and commanded multi-alarm structure fires.
- Demonstrated continuous efforts to improve operations, decrease response times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality customer service.
- Assisted with training and development of new firefighters through development of extensive job-related modules.
- Served as a liaison between the fire department and other municipal agencies or government officials regarding public safety concerns.
Battalion Chief
Denton Fire Department
11.2008 - 11.2010
- Managed an increasing busy Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system while working seamlessly with the contracted Medical Director
- Functioned within the rules of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services for EMS agencies.
- Continually monitored budget, policies and processes that improved efficiencies in the EMS division.
- Supported all EMS personnel with the maintenance and required continuing education credits and the initial or recertification of EMS licenses.
- Established strong relationships with local government officials, medical facility representatives and community groups, to increase engagement and support for fire department initiatives
Captain
Denton Fire Department
06.2003 - 11.2008
- Supervised daily operations of a group of emergency responders in both emergency and non-emergency activities
- Mentored new firefighters in developing essential skills and understanding departmental expectations for performance excellence.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Conducted annual firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Management Administration
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX05.2014
Skills
- Strategic planning by data
- Fostering employee development
- Fiscally responsible
- Experienced in labor relations
Certification
Chief Fire Officer - Center for Public Safety Excellence
Certified Public Manager - Texas State University
Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI)
Leading, Educating and Developing Program - Weldon Cooper Center for Public Safety Service, University of Virginia
Texas Fire Chiefs Academy
Affiliations
- Denton County Fire Chiefs Association, Current President
- Texas Fire Chiefs Association
- International Association of Fire Chiefs
- North Central Texas College Fire Advisory Board
- North Central Texas College EMS Advisory Board
- Denton ISD Career and Technology Education Advisory Board
Licenses
Master Firefighter, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Master Aircraft Firefighter, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Fire Officer IV, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Hazardous Materials Technician, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Head of Department Suppression, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, Texas Department of State Health Services
Timeline
Fire Chief
Denton Fire Department
04.2018 - Current
Assistant Fire Chief
Denton Fire Department
11.2010 - 04.2018
Battalion Chief
Denton Fire Department
11.2008 - 11.2010
Captain
Denton Fire Department
06.2003 - 11.2008
Chief Fire Officer - Center for Public Safety Excellence
Certified Public Manager - Texas State University
Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI)
Leading, Educating and Developing Program - Weldon Cooper Center for Public Safety Service, University of Virginia
Texas Fire Chiefs Academy
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Management Administration
West Texas A&M University
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