Larry Thomas
Auburn ,IN
Summary
Dynamic Fire Captain with extensive experience at Jefferson County Fire Department, excelling in emergency response and personnel management. Proven track record in implementing fire prevention strategies, enhancing community safety, and fostering teamwork. Skilled in incident command and public education, driving significant reductions in preventable fire incidents through proactive outreach and training initiatives.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Captain
Jefferson County Fire Department
Louisville, KY
08.1989 - 02.2026
- Led fire suppression operations during emergencies, ensuring safety of personnel and public.
- Conducted training sessions for new recruits, enhancing team skills and operational readiness.
- Developed and implemented fire prevention strategies, reducing potential hazards in the community.
- Coordinated multi-agency responses to large-scale incidents, streamlining communication and resource management.
- Oversaw daily station operations, maintaining equipment readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Mentored junior firefighters, fostering professional development and promoting teamwork within the department.
- Evaluated incident reports to identify trends, improving response protocols and operational efficiency.
- Implemented community outreach programs, educating residents on fire safety practices and emergency preparedness.
- 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.
- Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Directed work of Number firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
- Developed strong relationships with community leaders, fostering trust and collaboration for public safety initiatives.
- Promoted fire safety awareness within the community by organizing and participating in public outreach events, such as open houses and safety presentations.
- Streamlined equipment maintenance processes, ensuring rapid deployment during emergency situations without compromising safety standards.
- Managed personnel schedules, ensuring adequate staffing for optimal response times during emergencies.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
- Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
- Facilitated interdepartmental training exercises that fostered teamwork between firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers on scene management techniques.
- Delivered timely incident reports to senior leadership, providing accurate data for budgetary decisions and policy development purposes.
- Conducted thorough post-incident analysis, identifying areas for improvement in both tactics and equipment usage.
- Made daily inspections of facilities and equipment.
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
- Enhanced emergency response efficiency by implementing streamlined communication protocols within the department.
- Contributed to regional disaster planning efforts, enhancing preparedness for natural disasters and other potential crises.
- Increased overall departmental efficiency by regularly evaluating and updating standard operating procedures as needed.
- Oversaw multi-agency responses to large-scale incidents, coordinating resources effectively for successful outcomes.
- Spearheaded a fire prevention campaign within the community, reducing property damage and personal injuries from preventable fires.
- Collaborated with local schools to implement fire safety education programs, empowering students with life-saving knowledge.
- Coordinated mutual aid agreements with neighboring departments, optimizing resource-sharing during large-scale events or emergencies beyond individual capacities.
- Managed administrative duties, including budgeting and personnel management, ensuring department operated within fiscal and regulatory guidelines.
- Fostered team-oriented environment that encouraged professional growth and skill development among junior firefighters.
- Improved response times with meticulous planning and execution of strategic deployment models.
- Coordinated multi-agency operations to mitigate large-scale emergencies, significantly reducing potential property damage and personal injury.
- Facilitated upgrade of fire station technology, optimizing incident response capabilities.
- Directed large-scale evacuation efforts during hazardous events, ensuring safety of civilians and minimizing chaos.
- Oversaw maintenance and operational readiness of firefighting equipment, ensuring peak performance during emergency responses.
- Developed comprehensive risk assessment protocols, enabling more effective allocation of resources during high-risk events.
- Implemented feedback system for emergency operations, leading to significant enhancements in tactical approaches and safety measures.
- Led critical incident debriefings, fostering culture of continuous improvement and resilience among crew members.
- Streamlined communication processes with local law enforcement and emergency medical services, enhancing collaborative efforts during crisis situations.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of advancements in fire science and emergency management.
- Initiated wellness program for firefighters, contributing to improved morale and reduced instances of job-related stress injuries.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to support fire prevention and education initiatives, building strong community relations.
- Mentored new recruits and junior officers, guiding them through rigorous training programs and preparing them for advancement within department.
- Negotiated with vendors to acquire high-quality firefighting equipment at cost-effective prices, optimizing department's budget.
- Crafted and executed fire suppression strategies that minimized damage to property and environment.
- Conducted rigorous fire investigations to determine causes and prevent future occurrences, significantly improving community safety standards.
- Spearheaded community outreach programs to educate public on fire safety, resulting in noticeable decrease in preventable fire incidents.
- Enhanced team efficiency by developing and implementing dynamic training programs tailored to unique needs of fire department.
- Checked fire suppression equipment regularly and oversaw upkeep.
- Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
- Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
- Prepared and adjusted schedules to cover demand.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Inspected stations, uniforms and vehicles regularly for signs of maintenance needs or general professionalism.
- Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Inspected buildings to determine fire risk and advise owners on prevention methods.
- Assigned firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
- Created fire prevention courses to educate general public.
- Coordinated, scheduled and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
Package Handler
UPS
Louisville, KY
09.1989 - 08.1997
- Operated package sorting equipment to ensure efficient processing of shipments.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain safe working environment and adhere to safety protocols.
- Loaded and unloaded packages from delivery vehicles, ensuring proper handling and organization.
- Monitored inventory levels and reported discrepancies to management for timely resolution.
- Trained new employees on operational procedures and best practices for package handling.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency during peak operational periods.
- Conducted quality checks on outgoing packages to ensure adherence to company standards.
- Assisted in developing training materials aimed at improving team performance and safety awareness.
- Followed safety regulations to maintain safe work environment.
- Improved package handling efficiency by implementing proper sorting and organizing techniques.
- Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to company policies and guidelines for proper lifting techniques.
- Reduced damage rates for packages through careful handling and adherence to safety protocols.
- Assembled, sealed, and loaded packages into correct trucks.
- Used hand-held scanners and physical logs to accurately track item movements.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Verified correct labels and accurate shipping information on packages to avoid shipping to wrong addresses.
- Exceeded performance expectations during peak seasons, managing high volumes of shipments without compromising on quality or timeliness.
- Removed jams and unblocked conveyor system to maintain flow of goods.
- Contributed to increased productivity by working effectively in high-pressure situations.
- Followed verbal and written instructions to properly move and ship products.
- Collaborated with other package handlers to provide prompt and accurate delivery of orders.
- Streamlined workflow by coordinating with team members on efficient loading and unloading procedures.
- Maximized space utilization within trucks through effective stacking and arranging of packages, minimizing shipment delays.
- Aided in maintaining warehouse cleanliness, ensuring an organized workspace conducive to efficient operations.
- Demonstrated commitment to quality control by consistently meeting or exceeding company standards for accuracy in sorting and labeling packages.
- Alerted supervisors and coworkers of hazards and other issues for quick resolutions.
- Stored and secured packages in designated areas to prevent damage and theft.
- Communicated with supervisors about delays or other issues with shipments.
- Supported team morale by fostering positive communication and collaboration among coworkers.
- Prepared pallets of boxes for easy transportation between customer and storage locations.
- Boosted team performance with consistent punctuality, maintaining a strong attendance record throughout employment tenure.
- Provided training support for new hires, sharing knowledge of best practices in package handling procedures.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely delivery of packages through efficient processing methods.
- Assisted supervisors in tracking inventory, ensuring accurate records and minimal discrepancies.
- Increased team morale with consistent encouragement and recognition for meeting daily targets.
- Maintained high levels of accuracy in package scanning to ensure proper tracking, leading to fewer lost packages.
- Reduced downtime, performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting on conveyor systems and sorting machinery.
- Elevated customer service standards, promptly addressing inquiries about package status and resolving issues.
- Supported peak season demands by volunteering for extra shifts, ensuring no delays in package processing.
- Enhanced safety in workplace by proactively identifying potential hazards and suggesting improvements.
- Improved package tracking accuracy, diligently updating database with scan information and handling exceptions.
- Enhanced operational resilience by cross-training in multiple roles, providing flexibility in workforce allocation.
- Ensured timely package delivery to loading docks, contributing to improved customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with drivers to streamline package loading, maximizing space utilization in delivery vehicles.
- Assisted in inventory management, conducting regular counts to verify stock levels and report discrepancies.
- Reduced package mishandling incidents, carefully adhering to handling protocols and training new hires on best practices.
- Improved workflow efficiency, organizing workstations for optimal access to materials and tools.
- Facilitated team-oriented environment, sharing handling techniques that minimized effort and reduced injury risk.
- Boosted processing speed for outbound shipments, meticulously planning parcel arrangement in delivery vehicles.
- Supported quality control efforts, inspecting packages for damage and ensuring proper handling to maintain integrity.
- Streamlined package sorting process, enhancing operational efficiency by organizing parcels by size and destination.
- Contributed to environmental goals by efficiently sorting recyclable packaging materials from waste.
- Contributed to reduction in workplace injuries, following strict adherence to lifting techniques and safety gear usage.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, suggesting several process optimizations that were implemented.
- Loaded and unloaded materials onto and off of trucks for fast shipment.
- Maintained clean, orderly work environment free of hazards.
- Used handheld scanners to efficiently track and maneuver freight throughout distribution network.
- Helped train new employees in safe practices and warehouse procedures.
- Shipped material and performed boxing, packing, labeling, and preparation of related documents.
- Unpacked and repacked items in different quantities and configurations for shipment.
- Successfully navigated large shipments of materials through tight spaces and busy facilities.
- Assisted in receiving, stocking and distribution of merchandise.
- Operated equipment while observing standard safety procedures.
- Used machinery and equipment such as box cutters, shrink-wrap guns and electric pallet jacks.
- Assembled pallets and crates for secure transportation of materials.
- Verified documentation and condition of freight to assure quality standards were achieved.
- Verified quantity and description of materials received by checking merchandise against packing list.
- Managed warehouse operations and verified proper shipment procedures.
- Surrounded items in cling film, padded blankets, and tape to protect from damage.
- Strapped items down over protective padding to secure throughout transportation.
- Moved furniture and boxes using utility dolly and truck ramp.
- Drove forklifts, pallet jacks and other equipment to move materials.
- Streamlined material delivery processes which increased efficiency and reduced downtime.
- Operated moving truck safely to deliver items to destination without nicks or scratches.
Education
High School Diploma - Advanced Studies
Bullitt Central High School
Shepherdsville, KY06.1989
Skills
- Emergency response
- Personnel management
- Fire suppression
- Technical rescue
- Fire response rescue direction
- Emergency response procedures
- Public education
- Fire inspection suppression
- Hazardous materials response
- Facility and equipment maintenance
- Incident command
- Emergency management
- Fire prevention
- Interagency coordination
- Fire inspection investigations
- Staff performance evaluation
- Budget administration
- Fire strategy
- Fire department procedures
- Fire investigation
- Fire response team direction
- Firefighting procedures
- Supply procurement
- Staff development and leadership
- Crew training
- Crew leadership
- Incident reporting
- Emergency medical treatment
- Workload prioritization
- Hazardous materials handling
- Emergency response coordination
- Firefighting operations
- Training oversight
- Municipal codes
- Fire protection
- Regulatory enforcement
- Records management
- Quality control guidelines
- Policy enforcement
- Performance monitoring
- Disaster management
- Fire department maintenance
- Chute control
- Worker training
- Preventive Maintenance
- Structural assessment
- Emergency dispatch
- Drills and demonstrations
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Emergency vehicle operation
- Relationship building
- Physical fitness
- Site inspections
- Team building
- Task prioritization
- Safety management
- Equipment operation
- Self motivation
- Interpersonal skills
- Public safety
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- CPR certified
- Goal setting
- Risk assessment
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal communication
- Operational procedures
- Public speaking
- Strategic planning
- Staff training
- Record keeping
- Time management abilities
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Written communication
- Safety enforcement
- Emergency planning
- Crisis management
- Staff scheduling
- Equipment maintenance
- Performance evaluation
- Building inspection
- Professional demeanor
- Problem-solving aptitude
Accomplishments
4 Awards of Valor
27 Commendations
5 Awards of Merit
Kentucky Colonel
Certification
Executive Officer 3
Firefighter 1 & 2
Instructor 3
EMT-B
Apparatus Operator 3
Swift Water Rescue 3
Trench Rescue 3
Confined Space 3
Hazmat Specialist
State Response Task Force
Timeline
Package Handler
UPS
09.1989 - 08.1997
Fire Captain
Jefferson County Fire Department
08.1989 - 02.2026
High School Diploma - Advanced Studies
Bullitt Central High School