Kenneth Van Hall
Byron Center,MI
Summary
Experienced Fire Chief offering more than 30 years of public and private safety experience in the planning, organizing, and administrating of the contemporary emergency services organization. Possesses a vast depth and breadth of knowledge in fire administration, public relations, equipment management, budget management, and enforcing regulations, policies, and procedures related to fire suppression, hazardous material response, rescue, and emergency services. Highly competent in assessing and eliminating risks and hazards through practical recommendations. Well-equipped leadership and analytical skills are evidenced by the ability to continuously improve fire/rescue operations and emergency medical services. Astute interpersonal skills interface effectively with firefighters, municipal leaders, community members, key municipal stakeholders, and the general public. Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and a passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Chief
Dutton/Cutlerville Fire Departments
01.2022 - Current
- Supervised firehouse operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies, and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Optimized fire services management by introducing new systems, policies, procedures, and tools.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Coordinated, scheduled, and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
- Prepared and adjusted schedules to cover demand.
- Managed department budget effectively, prioritizing essential equipment purchases and maintenance without compromising safety standards.
- Established strong relationships with local government officials to secure necessary funding and resources for the department's needs.
- Supervised incident command operations, ensuring proper coordination among on-scene personnel and effective communication with external agencies.
- Assessed department performance through detailed analysis of incident reports, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions when needed.
Full-Time Shift Captain
Dutton Fire Department
07.2018 - 12.2022
- Managed development, delivery, and evaluation of Fire, EMS, and Special Operations Training Programs.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies, and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition daily.
Fire Fighter / Lieutenant / Deputy Fire Chief
Cutlerville Fire Department
01.2001 - 12.2022
- Managed daily operations and supervised six full-time firefighters and ten paid-on-call firefighters delivering fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS).
- Oversight in properly implementing best practices, policies, and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Optimizing fire services management by introducing new systems, policies, procedures, and tools.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
Training/EMS Captain
Delta Township Fire Department
03.2013 - 07.2018
- Managed the Training Division within the Delta Township Fire Department, including the development, delivery, and evaluation of the Fire, EMS, and Special Operations Training Programs.
- Directed and evaluated department EMS operations, including all budget and logistical-related functions and activities.
- Trained and motivated fire department personnel and supervising personnel engaged in delivering the Field Training Program for probationary personnel.
- Implemented the Blue Card Type IV/V Incident Command System and designed the Delta Township Blue Card Incident Command Training Center.
- Supported the Fire Chief by conducting various studies and evaluations of fire department operations and service delivery models based on relevant industry performance measures and recommending modifications to department operations, programs, and procedures, including assisting with Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) Agency Accreditation.
- Coordinated the design and assisted the project manager with constructing a container-based Class A live fire training facility, designed and built in collaboration with Lansing Community College.
Firefighter/Paramedic
Delta Township Fire Department
05.2008 - 03.2013
- Supervised, evaluated, and coached probationary employees as a shift Field Training Officer. Developed and implemented a comprehensive probationary FF/PM field training program with formal daily evaluation tools.
- Member of the Metro Lansing HAZMAT Special Operations Team functioning as the HAZMAT Liaison for Delta Township.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while mentoring new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fire Safety And Engineering Technology
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH12.2019
Paramedic Certificate - undefined
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI1994
Skills
- Firefighting operations
- Incident Command
- Workload prioritization
- Fire suppression
- Emergency Management
- Hazardous Materials Response
- Interagency Coordination
- Records Management
- Training programs
Certification
State of Michigan EMT-Paramedic
State of Michigan Paramedic Instructor-Coordinator
MFFTC Fire Officer I/II/III
MFFTC Fire Instructor I/ II
ISFSI Live Fire Fixed Facility Instructor
ISFSI Training Officer Credential
Affiliations
- Society of Michigan EMS Instructor Coordinators
- National Fire Academy Alumnus
- International Society of Fire Service Instructors
Accomplishments
2007 American Medical Response National Star of Life
2007 American Ambulance Association National Star of Life
2007 Michigan Association of Ambulance Services Star of Life
The 100 Club of Greater Lansing Professional Excellence Award - 2017
Firefighter Service Commendation - 2019
M-6 Incident Commendation - 2019
KCEMS Life Saving Award - 2021 & 2022
Dutton Fire Department Firefighter Achievement Commendation - 2022
Cutlerville Fire Department Life Saving Award - 2022
Dutton Fire Department Meritorious Unit Citation - 2023
Cutlerville Fire Department Life Saving Award -2023
References
Jonathan Seyferth
City Manager
City of Muskegon
(231) 286-8458
Jonathan.Seyferth@shorelinecity.com
Brian Kazmierzak
Deputy Director of Fire Services
City of Benton Harbor
(574) 220-4450
brian@kazfire.org
Steve Johnson
Director of Construction
Triangle Associates
(616) 262-2601
StevenJ@triangle-inc.com
Timeline
Fire Chief
Dutton/Cutlerville Fire Departments
01.2022 - Current
Full-Time Shift Captain
Dutton Fire Department
07.2018 - 12.2022
Training/EMS Captain
Delta Township Fire Department
03.2013 - 07.2018
Firefighter/Paramedic
Delta Township Fire Department
05.2008 - 03.2013
Fire Fighter / Lieutenant / Deputy Fire Chief
Cutlerville Fire Department
01.2001 - 12.2022
Paramedic Certificate - undefined
Davenport University
State of Michigan EMT-Paramedic
State of Michigan Paramedic Instructor-Coordinator
MFFTC Fire Officer I/II/III
MFFTC Fire Instructor I/ II
ISFSI Live Fire Fixed Facility Instructor
ISFSI Training Officer Credential
Bachelor of Science - Fire Safety And Engineering Technology
University of Cincinnati
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