Matthew Herrera
Española
Summary
Seasoned Firefighter/Basic EMT and Wildland Firefighter with a proven track record at the City of Espanola and Santa Fe County Fire Departments. Expert in emergency response, skilled in IFSAC Firefighter 1&2, and EMT Basic and CPR certified. Demonstrates exceptional leadership and stress resilience, significantly enhancing team efficiency and community safety through strategic firefighting and life-saving procedures.
Developed skills in high-pressure, emergency environments, including quick decision-making and effective problem-solving. Seeking to transition into new field where these skills can be applied and expanded. Focused on contributing to team success and achieving positive outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter/Basic EMT
City of Espanola Fire Department
09.2018 - Current
- 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.
- Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
- Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
- 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.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
Student Intern
Santa Fe County
06.2018 - 07.2018
- Built professional relationships with colleagues at all levels within the organization, strengthening interpersonal communication skills during the internship experience.
- Reported back to instructor to receive day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
- Developed time-management skills through balancing multiple assignments while consistently meeting deadlines during the internship period.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
Student Intern
Santa Fe County
06.2017 - 07.2017
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
Wildland Firefighter
Santa Fe County Fire Department
12.2016 - 05.2017
- Cut and cleared brush and dug trenches to create fire lines using axes, chainsaws or shovels.
- Patrolled burnt areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that could flare or rekindle.
- Enhanced wildfire containment by coordinating and executing strategic fire line construction.
- Optimized firefighter performance through active participation in daily physical training sessions designed to maintain endurance levels.
- Maintained readiness for rapid response by ensuring timely completion of required training certifications and qualifications updates.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
Cook
Pizza Hut
05.2014 - 08.2014
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
Education
Electromechanical Engineering
Northern New Mexico College
Española, NM01-2015
Electromechanical Engineering
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM08-2014
High School Diploma -
Pojoaque Valley High School
Pojoaque, New Mexico05-2014
Skills
- IFSAC Firefighter 1&2 Certified
- IFSAC HAZMAT A&O Certified
- IFSAC Fire Inspector Certified
- IFSAC Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Certified
- CPR Certified
- EMT Basic Certified
- S 130/190 Wildland Certified
- S 212 Chainsaw Certified
- S 211 Portable Pumps & water use Certified
- Stress tolerance and resilience
Accomplishments
Commendation Award 2023- Award received and given for working with doctors and nurses of surrounding hospitals and medical agencies to plan days and for people of the community to come and get their COVID Vaccinations.
Timeline
Firefighter/Basic EMT
City of Espanola Fire Department
09.2018 - Current
Student Intern
Santa Fe County
06.2018 - 07.2018
Student Intern
Santa Fe County
06.2017 - 07.2017
Wildland Firefighter
Santa Fe County Fire Department
12.2016 - 05.2017
Cook
Pizza Hut
05.2014 - 08.2014
Electromechanical Engineering
Northern New Mexico College
Electromechanical Engineering
New Mexico Highlands University
High School Diploma -
Pojoaque Valley High School
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