Love' Thompson
Rapid City,SD
Summary
Lead Wildland Firefighter seeking to transition into the Squad Boss role for the Bear Mountain Module with the State of South Dakota Wildland Fire. Offers proven experience in fire suppression methods, mop-up operations, crew coordination and situational awareness.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Wildland Firefighter
South Dakota State
Rapid City, SD
02.2026 - Current
- Red card qualifications: Firefighter type 1, Basic Faller, Expanded Dispatch Recorder, ATV/UTV operator.
- Currently supporting squad boss duties for the Bear Mountain Module as a detailer.
- Directed chainsaw operations for brush removal, fuel reduction, and fire line clearing.
- Conducted mop-up operations to extinguish remaining hot spots and reduce the risk of further spread.
- Oversaw fire edge patrols to detect flare-ups and reinforce control lines.
- Implemented safety protocols to protect crew members and ensure safe fire suppression operations.
- Monitored fire weather, fuel conditions, and hazard changes for situational awareness.
- Monitored weather conditions to assess potential impacts on fire behavior and inform tactical decisions.
- Engaged in daily briefings with crew overhead to enhance situational awareness on fire incidents and strategies.
- Assisted in training new firefighters on proper use of safety gear and techniques while on fires.
- Worked alongside and communicated with federal agencies during incident response activities.
- Participated in after action reviews providing input on what went well and how to improve.
- Maintained and repaired equipment and tools to ensure operational readiness.
- Knowledge of setting up priority channels, changing groups, and cloning handheld and mobile radios.
- Ability to recognize different fuel types and fire behavior to make decisions on the fire line.
- Signed task books while taking to the trainee about the position they are working towards. Giving feedback on strengths and areas of improvement.
- Ensured and participated in cleaning and organizing the shop.
- Completed preventative maintenance checks and/or ensured that they were being completed daily.
- Recorded personal time making sure to use proper codes and crew time reports.
- Completed daily duties such as mileage, per-diem, and time keeping.
- Coordinated task assignments for seasonal and permanent crew members.
Seasonal Wildland Firefighter
State of South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota
06.2023 - 11.2025
- Red card qualifications: Firefighter type 1, Basic Faller, Expanded Dispatch Recorder, ATV/UTV operator.
- Operated pumps, hoses, and chainsaws during wildfire response operations.
- Constructed handlines around active wildfire perimeter using scrapers, Pulaskis, and chain saws.
- Maintained gear and state vehicles to keep fire-ready status.
- Supported prescribed burns while monitoring fire behavior and patterns.
- Reported fire conditions and crew updates over radio.
- Built handlines around active wildfire perimeter with scrapers, Pulaskis, and chainsaws.
- Knowledge on how to sharpen tools such as Pulaski's, scrapes, and rhinos with proper protection equipment
- Assisted with fuel mitigation projects to reduce fuel loading while following specifications.
- Maintained and sharpened chainsaws by disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling to ensure optimal performance.
- Worked closely with other sawyers using proper signals and communication to remain safe and productive.
- Kept workstations organized and clean.
- Completed daily preventive maintenance checks and recorded starting and ending mileage on state vehicles.
- Participated in daily briefings with crew members to review fire weather forecasts, fuel observations, Situation Report, and Six Minutes for Safety.
- Familiarized myself with the 10 Standard Orders and 18 Watchout Situations. Regularly use IRPG during briefings, hazard assessments, and incidents.
Seasonal Restaurant Hostess
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
Rapid City , SD
10.2022 - 02.2026
- Created a positive first impression for guests entering the restaurant, and escorted them to their tables.
- Communicated with servers and kitchen staff to coordinate guest seating.
- Stayed attentive to server availability and table turnover to quickly seat guests.
- Managed waitlists and special requests for large parties.
- Answered guest questions about the sushi menu, specials, and dining policies.
- Resolved guest concerns calmly while supporting smooth front-of-house service.
- Maintained a clean hostess stand, menus, and front entry presentation.
Education
High School Diploma -
Rapid City High School
601 Columbus St05-2023
Certification
- S-131: Basic Wildland Firefighter, Issued 2023
- S-190: Introduction to Fire Behavior, Issued 2023
- I-100: Basic Incident Command System, Issued 2023
- I-700: Introduction to National Incident Management System, Issued 2023
- I-200: Incident Command System Orientation, Issued 2023
- S-211: Portable Pumps and Water Use, Issued 2024
- S-131: Fighter Type 1, Issued 2024
- S-212: Chainsaws, Issued 2024
- S-219: Firing Operations, Issued 2025
- S-271: Helicopter Crewmember, Issued 2026
- S270: Basic Air Operations, Issued 2026
References
Casey Glines
Fire management Officer - South Dakota State of Wildland Fire
(605) 863-1124
Sara Anderson
General Manager - Fuji Japanese Steakhouse
(605) 606-0137
Jacob Bays
Current Seasonal Firefighter - Black Hats, South Dakota State Wildland Fire
Former Squad Boss - Black Hats, South Dakota State Wildland Fire
(217) 508-3161
Timeline
Lead Wildland Firefighter
South Dakota State
02.2026 - Current
Seasonal Wildland Firefighter
State of South Dakota
06.2023 - 11.2025
Seasonal Restaurant Hostess
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
10.2022 - 02.2026
High School Diploma -
Rapid City High School