Madeline Trapnell
San Diego,USA
Summary
Highly motivated Firefighter with in-depth knowledge of both wildland and structural firefighting operations. Confident and works effectively as part of cohesive team. Highly trained with great mechanical aptitude and background in both EMS and fire suppression response. Handles issues quickly and resolves conflicts successfully. Proactive and goal-oriented with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth. Dedicated to public safety, teamwork, and continuous professional development.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE Station 21 Flinn Springs, Type 3 Engine Company
03.2025 - Current
- Serves as a key crew member on a type 3 engine company responsible for fire suppression, emergency response and community safety throughout San Diego county.
- Demonstrates initiative, technical proficiency, and reliability under demanding and arduous conditions.
- Responds to all risk calls including structure fires, vegetation fires, rescues, traffic collisions, and medical aids as a member of an engine company.
- Maintains proficiency in advanced fire suppression techniques and the use of firefighting apparatus.
- Operates and maintain firefighting equipment, tools, and apparatus in accordance with CAL FIRE policies and procedures.
- Performs pumping operations, progressive hoselays, drafting and mobile attack tactics during wildland incidents.
- Supports initial attack, extended attack, and mop-up operations across diverse terrain and adverse conditions.
- Provides emergency medical care as an EMT at scene of medical aids and traffic collisions.
- Maintains exceptional physical fitness and mental readiness for extended operational periods.
- Operates mobile, base, and portable radios to maintain clear and consistent communication with incident command and other units in the field.
- Participates in regular station maintenance, cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
- Completes documentation for incident reports, equipment maintenance, and training activities.
- Performs life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Responds to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Collaborates with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Improves operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Utilizes technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.
- Completed documentation for incident reports, equipment maintenance, and training activities.
- Completes FC33s, Vector Check-It, as well as station MRTs, fuel logs, month ends, IIPP7, and other station and incident- related administrative paperwork.
- Maintains meticulous records of incident responses and Patient Care Reports (PCRs), ensuring accurate documentation for reporting purposes and future reference.
- Strengthens interdepartmental relationships through participation in joint training exercises with neighboring fire departments.
- Makes forcible entry into buildings.
- Completes Defensible Space Inspections and makes appropriate notifications.
- Utilizes and uses apps such as FieldMaps and Tactical Analyst to accomplish different tasks pre and post fire.
- Drives state vehicles in non-emergency situations.
- Performs minor construction work in and around station, including but not limited to: painting, sanding, drilling, and installing parts to better the station.
- Operates and programs all mobile and handheld radios, including Motorola 800 and BK radios for all incident responses.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE San Diego Fire Center, SFC2 Handcrew
02.2023 - 03.2023
- Returned to San Diego Unit as part of CAL FIRE's “Emergency Rehire” to support staffing needs and post-fire recovery operations following the 2023 LA Fires.
- While assigned to San Diego Fire Center, assisted with flood fight and debris-removal efforts, implemented erosion control measures and community protection work in affected areas.
- Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and readiness transitioning from suppression to recovery operations before reassignment to an engine company at Flinn Springs Station 21.
- Performed standard Type 1 Handcrew assignments including fireline construction, mop-up, fuels reduction and prescribed burns.
- Worked alongside aircraft such as helicopters and air tankers to support needs of fire suppression.
- Monitored weather conditions and communicated changes to incident command during operations.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- Supported post-fire recovery and flood-fighting operations including debris removal, erosion control, and community protection measures.
- Contributed to team cohesion, safety, and efficiency during high stress emergency and training operations.
- Maintained station, tools, and equipment (including chainsaws, hand tools and medical gear) to ensure operational readiness for daily assignments.
- Assisted in Fire Center projects and station maintenance and daily cleaning.
- Contributed to improved safety protocols through participation in post-incident reviews and training.
- Utilized hand tools and portable pumps for effective fire suppression techniques in the field.
- Analyzed fire weather conditions to inform tactical decisions during wildland incidents.
- Improved crew safety through diligent hazard assessment and risk management during incidents.
- Supported incident management teams with accurate mapping, GPS tracking, and real-time information sharing.
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE Rainbow Fire Center, RBW 6, RBW 3 Handcrew
08.2022 - 12.2023
- Completed three successful fire seasons on a CAL FIRE Type 1 handcrew, consistently reselected for duty due to skill, work ethic and commitment to crew operations.
- Gained foundational wildland firefighting experience that established a strong base for engine company and structural firefighting duties.
- Engaged in fireline construction, mop-up, and hazard tree felling on multiple major wildland incidents.
- Participated in burning operations and prescribed fire activities in support of CAL FIRE vegetation management objectives.
- Supported state-wide initial attack and extended attack wildland fire suppression efforts.
- Conducted rehabilitation and suppression repair work post-fire to restore impacted areas.
- Operated and maintained hand tools, including chainsaws, Pulaskis, Mcleods and shovels, for clearing brush, digging trenches, and building fuel breaks.
- Ensured crew readiness by participating in rigorous physical training and fire drills.
- Maintained and repaired essential firefighting equipment and vehicles to ensure optimal working condition.
- Adhered strictly to safety protocols in high-stress, dynamic environments and maintained constant communication with crew members and command.
- Utilized two-way radios to relay critical fire status, needs for resources, and crew progress on any given assignment.
- Maintained endurance for hiking long distances over rugged terrain and performed physically demanding tasks for extended periods of time.
- Collaborated effectively with diverse teams and followed directions from superiors to achieve suppression goals.
- Analyzed fire weather and topographical data to predict fire activity.
- Performed general maintenance and housekeeping duties as assigned at the Fire Center.
- Maintained a professional demeanor at all times.
- Assisted in training new recruits on firefighting techniques and safety protocols.
- Conducted routine inspections of firefighting equipment and tools for operational compliance.
- Participated in post-incident analyses to identify areas for improvement in departmental policies and procedures.
CCC Firefighter
California Conservation Corps. (CCC) Handcrew Member SFC4
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Selected through competitive tryouts to serve on a California Conservation Corps (CCC) wildland handcrew, gaining foundational experience in fire suppression, fireline construction, and hazardous operations.
- Developed strong teamwork, safety awareness, and physical endurance while performing initial attack and extended fire operations.
- Demonstrated commitment to public service, following chain-of-command supervision, and maintaining readiness in challenging remote environments before accepting Firefighter I position with CAL FIRE.
- Constructed firelines, performed mop-up, and assisted in containment of vegetation fires under direct supervision.
- Worked around dozers, helicopters, engine crews and aircraft while on fire assignments.
- Operated hand tools, portable pumps, and other fire suppression equipment safely and efficiently.
- Supported initial attack and extended attack fire operations, assisting CAL FIRE and other partner agencies in wildfire suppression.
- Participated in daily safety briefings, equipment inspections, and maintenance of hand tools and gear.
- Assisted in crew training exercises, wildfire preparedness drills, and physical conditioning to maintain readiness.
- Maintained high physical endurance and situational awareness for operations in rugged and remote terrain.
- Adhered to all CCC and CAL FIRE safety standards and policies.
Marketing Coordinator
Black Box Safety, Inc.
05.2020 - 02.2022
- Supported a veteran-owned small business specializing in personal protective equipment (PPE), firefighting gear, and emergency medical supplies for first responders. Promoted products that meet operational standards, safety requirements, and end-user needs. Combined marketing, customer service, and product education to strengthen relationships with fire departments, EMS agencies, and public safety professionals.
- Marketed and promoted firefighter PPE, EMS gear, and medical equipment to departments and individual first responders.
- Supported sales outreach and built professional relationships with local fire agencies, EMTs, and law enforcement.
- Conducted inventory checks, product demonstrations, and customer education on proper use and maintenance of PPE and gear.
- Collaborated with management to track product performance and identify new market opportunities within the fire service community.
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring first responders had reliable, mission-ready equipment.
- Maintained a strong understanding of NFPA standards, PPE safety features, and current fire/EMS operational needs.
- Developed and implemented targeted marketing campaigns to enhance product visibility within the firefighting community.
- Coordinated promotional events and demonstrations to showcase equipment functionality and safety features.
- Managed social media platforms, creating engaging content that resonated with first responders and increased brand awareness.
- Answered general marketing department inquiries by email, phone, and mail.
- Prepared detailed reports on customer feedback to inform improvements in product offerings and marketing strategies.
Education
Emergency Medical Technician -
West Coast EMT
San Diego 01-2023
CPR/BLS -
American Heart Association
San Diego 01-2022
High School Diploma -
Minnetonka High School
Minnesota01-2019
Skills
- Wildland Firefighting: Hose lays, mobile attack, mop-up, firing operations
- Structural Firefighting: Water shuttle, hose management, forcible entry, ventilation, salvage, overhaul
- Crew Leadership: Safety briefings, crew management, squad leader
- Tools-Fire: Chainsaws, hand tools, power tools, hose
- Tools-Trade: Various tools including drills, drivers, sanders, skillsaws, etc General tools for carpentry, drywall, and painting
- Navigation and Field Ops: Map/compass/GPS, VHF radio operations, weather monitoring (Ie, Kestrel, belt weather kit)
- Vehicle Operations: Daily inspections and general maintenance of state vehicles
- Medical: EMT-B level care, emergency response, medical cache management
- Fitness & Endurance: Rugged terrain, daily PT, extreme and adverse weather conditions and climates
- Administrative & Logistics: Timekeeping, FC33s, E-Pay NextGen, Avenza, Tactical Analyst, Month Ends, Vector Check-it, logging information
Certification
CSFM/CAL FIRE
- CSFM IFSAC/ProBoard Fire Fighter I– IFSAC/ProBoard, California State Fire Marshal's Office
- CSFM Firefighter Safety and Survival (2023)
- CSFM Fire Control 3 Structural Firefighting-Fixed Facilities (2018)
- CSFM Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A
- CAL FIRE FFIC: Hazards Materials: Awareness & Operations
- CAL FIRE FFIB: Wildland
- CAL FIRE FFID: Fire Orientation
- CAL FIRE Confined Space Rescue Awareness
- CAL FIRE Dozer Swamper
- CAL FIRE C-212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws-Basic Sawyer
MEDICAL
- Emergency Medical Technician - West Coast EMT, Current, E195100
- CPR BLS First Aid/AED– American Heart Association
- NIMS/FEMA
- ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- ICS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
- IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS) Overview
- IS-800: National Response Framework, Introduction
DRIVING
- CA State Defensive Driving
- Drivers License Class C
NWCG
- S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- S-290: Intermediate Fire Behavior
- L-180: Human Factors on the Fireline
- S-110: Basic Wildland Firefighter orientation
- S-130: Firefighter Training
OTHER
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training
- EEO & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- Workplace Safety / Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
- CAL FIRE Vector Solutions Modules (Ongoing)
Key Strengths
Team player / collaboration with others
Effective communicator (verbal and written)
Fast learner / adaptable
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Dependable and accountable
Attention to Detail
Strong safety awareness and situational discipline
Coordination and Communication
Incident Response and Readiness
Leadership & Mentorship
Operations management
Administrative Duties
Timeline
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE Station 21 Flinn Springs, Type 3 Engine Company
03.2025 - Current
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE San Diego Fire Center, SFC2 Handcrew
02.2023 - 03.2023
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE Rainbow Fire Center, RBW 6, RBW 3 Handcrew
08.2022 - 12.2023
CCC Firefighter
California Conservation Corps. (CCC) Handcrew Member SFC4
03.2022 - 08.2022
Marketing Coordinator
Black Box Safety, Inc.
05.2020 - 02.2022
Emergency Medical Technician -
West Coast EMT
CPR/BLS -
American Heart Association
High School Diploma -
Minnetonka High School