Kevin "Matt" Powell
City of Biloxi Fire Department
Vancleave,MS
1
Certification
24
years of professional experience
Veteran Deputy Chief in the fire service, with over 23 years experience, possessing in-depth knowledge of fire suppression techniques and department policies and procedures. Analytical and solution-oriented with specialty in personal, scene, and resource management. Reads and understands codes and ordinances and operation of emergency and fire equipment. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet department goals.
Experienced with optimizing operational workflows and strategic resource management. Utilizes strong leadership skills to enhance team performance and achieve organizational goals. Track record of implementing process improvements to drive efficiency and productivity.
Work History
Chief of Operations
5 Months- Directed daily fire department operations, aligning staffing, readiness, and response priorities with command objectives.
- Coordinated emergency response resources, ensuring personnel, apparatus, and equipment remained deployment-ready.
- Oversaw development and enforcement of standard operating procedures for fireground, safety, and administrative functions.
- Collaborated with command staff on budget planning, resource allocation, and long-range operational improvements.
- Reduced overhead costs through strategic resource allocation and effective budget management.
- Optimized operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Monitored compliance with departmental policies, safety requirements, and regulatory standards across operations.
- Evaluated operational workflows, identifying process gaps and implementing adjustments to improve efficiency and consistency.
Battalion Chief
3 Years 10 Months- Supervised and coordinated tactical methodology used in resolving complex emergencies and other situations.
- Reviewed fire reports from station officers to ensure accuracy and completeness, enhancing accountability.
- Allocated personnel for special fire department responses and designated tasks.
- Conducted frequent station inspections and drafted reports to address critical safety and operational issues.
- Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
- Streamlined fire services management through introduction of new systems, policies, and procedures, improving overall effectiveness.
- Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
- Performed frequent station inspections and drafted reports and plans for issues of importance.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Developed scheduling and coordination of shift staffing levels, changes and activities.
- Prepared and adjusted schedules to cover demand.
- Directed emergency operations, coordinating suppression, rescue, and incident stabilization across multiple response zones.
Fire Captain
9 Years 2 Months- Respond to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Direct evacuations from high rise buildings during fires and emergencies to avoid fatalities, injuries and panic.
- Train fire personnel in safe and proper operation and maintenance of fire department apparatus and vehicles.
- Conduct periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Inspect buildings to determine fire risk and advise owners on prevention methods.
- Optimize fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
- Coordinate, schedule and maintain team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
- Prepare and adjust schedules to cover demand as acting Battalion Chief.
- Evaluate team performance and implement strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
- Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
- Remove individuals from dangerous situations and offer emergency assistance for minor and critical concerns.
- Complete business inspections.
- Perform area hydrant maintenance annually.
Driver Operator
6 Years 8 Months- Set up and operated master streams and aerial ladder pipes.
- Carried, placed and extended ladders in training and in emergencies.
- Operated pumping engine to direct water pressure in hose and nozzle for most efficient operation.
- Effectively supported fire suppression by setting up and maintaining water supply lines.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
- Performed maintenance on water tanks, fire hoses and other firefighting equipment.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds and stations for proper order and condition.
Firefighter I-II
3 Years 2 Months- Laid out and connected hoses to fire hydrants to fight fires.
- Performed emergency medical services.
- Trained to become Firefighter III.
- Checked apparatus to ensure everything is in operational order daily.
Education
Associates in Occupational Health And Safety
High School Diploma
Skills
Decision Making
Self-Motivated
Team building
Planning and Coordination
Excellent Communication
Attention to Detail
Flexible and Adaptable
Dependable and Responsible
Training and Development
Community Relations
Workload Prioritization
Critical Thinking
Resource Allocation
Staff Scheduling
Time Management
Complex Problem-Solving
Operational Improvements
Accomplishments
- Life Saving Award
- Medal of Merit
- Unit Achievement Award
- Firefighter of the Year
- Hurricane Katrina Recognition Award
- Significant Event Award
Certification
- Nationally Registered EMT
- First-MS State Fire Academy
- Fire Service Instructor
- Fire Officer
- Interior Structural Fire Attack
- Hazmat Technician
- Driver Operator
- Public Information Officer
- Rope Rescue
- C-130 Aircraft Familiarization and Egress
- Trench Rescue
- NFA Command and Control of Incident Operations
- Confined Space
- Emergency Response to Terrorism
- Passenger Trained Emergency Response
- Rescue Refresher
- Fireground Leadership
- Company Officer Academy
- ICS 100,200,300,400,700,800
- ICS for High Rise Operations
- Exercising leadership within Communities
- Leadership 1-3, Strategies for Supervisory Success
- Response to Drug Labs and Radiation
- Structural Fire Attack
- Hazmat Chlorine Communications with the Community
- National Traffic Incident Management Training
- HAZWOPER - Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
Timeline
Chief of Operations
City of Biloxi Fire Department
06.2026 - CurrentRead More
Battalion Chief
City Of Biloxi Fire Department
08.2022 - 06.2026Read More
Fire Captain
City Of Biloxi Fire Department
06.2013 - 08.2022Read More
Driver Operator
City Of Biloxi Fire Department
10.2006 - 06.2013Read More
Firefighter I-II
City Of Biloxi Fire Department
04.2003 - 06.2006Read More
Columbia Southern University
Associates in Occupational Health And Safety
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Mount Olive High School
High School Diploma
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