Mark Vanderwerf
Petersburg,IL
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Battalion Chief
City of Springfield Fire Department
09.2005 - Current
- Directed emergency response operations, ensuring safety and compliance with protocols.
- Evaluated and improved operational procedures, increasing efficiency in emergency responses.
- Coordinated multi-agency operations during large-scale incidents, fostering collaboration and communication.
- Managed incident command systems to streamline decision-making processes during emergencies.
- Conducted performance assessments for firefighting personnel, providing constructive feedback for development.
- Established strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses to increase engagement and support for fire department initiatives.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the department by encouraging feedback from all personnel and prioritizing ongoing training opportunities.
- Demonstrated strong leadership in high-pressure situations, successfully guiding teams through complex emergency incidents while minimizing risks to both responders and civilians.
- Directed work of 19+ firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
- Supervised firehouse operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
- Built and instructed training classes for on shift personnel.
- Instructed as lead and assistant instructor for fire academy.
Firefighter
City of Petersburg Fire Department
05.2011 - 05.2013
- Responded to emergency calls, ensuring rapid and effective incident management.
- Operated firefighting equipment and tools, maintaining readiness for diverse situations.
- Conducted fire inspections, identifying hazards and recommending safety improvements.
- Trained new recruits in firefighting techniques and safety protocols to enhance team performance.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
- Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
Automotive, Autobody, Fabricator, Powder Coater
Self-employeed
01.2007 - Current
- Fabricated precision components using advanced machinery and tools
- Operated welding machines and grinders to cut, shape and join metal workpieces.
- Fabricated components and structures following customer requirements.
- Cut bent, and formed sheet metal and other materials to create metal works.
- Assembled and welded components to create metal structures.
- Used gauges, templates, and other measuring devices to inspect production parts.
- Assisted in the design of custom products by providing input on material selection, dimensions, and functionality.
- Adjusted machine settings and tooling to get accurate cuts and shapes for each job.
- Aligned and verified positioning using measuring instruments to determine reference points and compute layout dimensions.
- Managed project timeline and resources to complete work on time and within budget.
- Consistently met project deadlines through diligent time management, task prioritization, and effective communication with stakeholders.
- Achieved tight deadlines, efficiently managing time and prioritizing tasks in high-pressure environment.
- Assembled production parts with high degree of accuracy and precision using hand and power tools.
- Carried out preventative maintenance, keeping tools and machinery functional.
- Operated powder coating equipment to apply finishes on metal components, ensuring quality standards.
- Ensured consistent color matching for clients'' specifications by utilizing accurate mixing and testing methods.
- Enhanced powder coating quality by implementing efficient preparation and application techniques.
- Reduced material waste through precise powder measurement and careful application procedures.
- Boosted customer satisfaction with high-quality finishes by closely adhering to industry standards and best practices.
- Custom mixed colors to match customers' desired color.
Automotive Technician / Autobody Technician
Armitage Collision Repair
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Diagnosed and repaired vehicle systems, ensuring optimal performance and safety standards.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks, enhancing vehicle reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Mentored junior technicians in diagnostic techniques and repair procedures, fostering skill development.
- Streamlined workflow processes to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround time for repairs.
- Collaborated with insurance adjusters to assess damages and determine appropriate repair solutions.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
- Serviced vehicles according to OEM recommended maintenance schedules for oil changes, engine tune-ups and fluid changes.
- Completed full vehicle inspections to check for leaks, damage, or other issues of concern.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Changed, rotated, and balanced tires on different types of vehicles.
- Improved vehicle performance by conducting thorough diagnostic tests and repairing or replacing faulty components.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed faults with vehicle systems and components using OEM-specific code readers, diagnostic trees, and online knowledge bases.
- Hard hit technician
- Fabricator
Education
Illinois Fire Service Institute
Champaign, ILFire Science
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, Illinois, ILAutobody Technician
Parkland Collee
Champaign, IL05-2002
High School Diploma -
Blue Ridge High School
Farmer City, IL05-2001
Skills
- Managing emergency incidents
- Fire service instruction
- Extensive understanding for fireground operations
- Leadership
- Incident command
- Firefighting tactics
- Operational efficiency
- Fire suppression
- Personnel management
- Staff scheduling
- Building inspections
- Records management
- Personnel training
- Fire strategy
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Crew leadership
- Active listening
- Emergency medical treatment
- Crew training
- CPR certified
- Risk assessment
- Incident reporting
- Public speaking
- Strategic planning
Timeline
Firefighter
City of Petersburg Fire Department
05.2011 - 05.2013
Automotive Technician / Autobody Technician
Armitage Collision Repair
01.2009 - 01.2012
Automotive, Autobody, Fabricator, Powder Coater
Self-employeed
01.2007 - Current
Battalion Chief
City of Springfield Fire Department
09.2005 - Current
Illinois Fire Service Institute
Fire Science
Lincoln Land Community College
Autobody Technician
Parkland Collee
High School Diploma -
Blue Ridge High School