Mark Cantrell
North Richland Hills,TX
Summary
Seasoned public safety leader with 20+ years of progressive experience in fire service management and emergency medical operations. Proven expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, public administration, and cross-functional collaboration. Effective communicator with a commitment to community engagement, personnel development, and continuous improvement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Fire Chief
Colleyville Fire Department
12.2018 - Current
- Fire Chief December 2018-Present
- 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.
- Organized department-wide training sessions on mental health and wellness, resulting in improved morale and reduced burnout rates among firefighters.
- Assessed department performance through detailed analysis of incident reports, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions when needed.
- Implemented a modern response model utilizing a data-driven approach to meet the community's needs. Leading to a significant reduction in response times.
- Created a streamlined process for handling permit applications, expediting approval times while maintaining compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Interim Fire Chief
Colleyville Fire Department
10.2018 - 12.2018
- Interim Fire Chief October 2018-December 2018
Battalion Chief
Colleyville Fire Department
10.2009 - 01.2018
- Battalion Chief October 2009-2018
- Reviewed fire reports and payroll entries of station officers to verify accuracy and completeness.
- Demonstrated strong leadership in high-pressure situations, successfully guiding teams through complex emergency incidents while minimizing risks to both responders and civilians.
- Improved emergency response times by developing and implementing streamlined protocols for fire department operations.
- Performed frequent station inspections and drafted reports and plans for issues of importance.
- Supervised and coordinated tactical methodology used in resolving emergencies and other situations.
- Managed multiple fire stations effectively, ensuring personnel were properly trained, equipped, and supervised for optimal performance.
- Coordinated fire prevention inspections and pre-planned activities of department.
- Developed scheduling and coordination of shift staffing levels, changes and activities.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Prepared and adjusted schedules to cover demand.
- Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
Interim Assistant Chief
Colleyville Fire Department
09.2008 - 10.2009
- Interim Assistant Chief September 2008- October 2009
Fire Lieutenant
Colleyville Fire Department
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Fire Lieutenant 2007-2008
Firefighter/Paramedic
Colleyville Fire Department
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Firefighter/Paramedic 2004-2007
Firefighter/EMT
Colleyville Fire Department
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Firefighter/EMT 2001-2004
Education
M.P.A. -
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX12.2022
B.S. - Agricultural Services and Development
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX12.1994
Texas State Teacher Certification -
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX12.1994
High School -
Bridgeport High School
Bridgeport, TX06-1989
Skills
- Completed City of Colleyville Executive Leadership Program
- Attended the North Central Texas Council of Governments Municipal Finance Program
- Completed Grant Writing USA grant writing seminar
- Completed North Texas Municipal Alliance Leadership Development Series
- Oversight of Fire Prevention Clown Program
- Budget preparation and management
- 20 years of experience in recruiting and candidate selection
- Member: Banking RFP Process, Traffic Advisory, Capital Improvement Projects, and Economic Development Committees
- Fire Station Design/Construction
- Responsible for all areas of EMS compliance
- Serves as liaison to the Medical Director and local hospitals
- Citizen Fire Academy Advisory Board
- Revised departmental fitness and occupational health program
Awards
Colleyville Fire Department
Firefighter of the Year 2005
Firefighter of the Year 2006
Colleyville Fire Department Employee of the Year 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007
Chief’s Award 2009
Civic Achievement Award 2008
Employment
Colleyville Fire Department 2001-Present
Timeline
Fire Chief
Colleyville Fire Department
12.2018 - Current
Interim Fire Chief
Colleyville Fire Department
10.2018 - 12.2018
Battalion Chief
Colleyville Fire Department
10.2009 - 01.2018
Interim Assistant Chief
Colleyville Fire Department
09.2008 - 10.2009
Fire Lieutenant
Colleyville Fire Department
01.2007 - 01.2008
Firefighter/Paramedic
Colleyville Fire Department
01.2004 - 01.2007
Firefighter/EMT
Colleyville Fire Department
01.2001 - 01.2004
M.P.A. -
Lamar University
B.S. - Agricultural Services and Development
Tarleton State University
Texas State Teacher Certification -
Tarleton State University
High School -
Bridgeport High School
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