Michael Kesling
Pulaski,VA
Summary
Vigilant Firefighter with 9 years of experience performing firefighting and emergency medical duties. Passionate about protecting lives and property through dedicated service. Committed and physically fit professional. Works cooperatively with other first responders to gain control of emergency scenes. Expertise in HAZMAT handling, hostile fire events and mass casualty events. I am a dedicated employee known for punctuality, pursuing employment options where good customer service and positive attitude will make a difference. Also im a highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildland Firefighter
Pulaski County Emergency Management
Pulaski, VA
12.2023 - Current
- Built containment lines around the perimeter of an active wildfire using shovels, Pulaskis and chainsaws.
- Conducted mop-up operations to extinguish remaining hot spots and reduce the risk of further spread.
- Assisted in hazardous fuels reduction projects such as cutting brush, felling trees and chipping debris.
- Assisted in training new firefighters on proper use of safety gear and techniques for containing wildfires.
- Monitored weather conditions to determine potential impacts on fire behavior.
- Performed backfire operations to contain advancing fires by burning fuel ahead of them.
- Responded quickly and effectively to emergency situations while adhering to safety protocols.
- Participated in post-incident reviews following successful completion of a wildfire assignment.
Driver Manager
Online Transport System
Greenfield, IN
02.2017 - Current
- Scheduled routes for drivers based on delivery requirements and availability.
- Managed the daily operations of a fleet of drivers and vehicles.
- Tracked driver behavior, timekeeping and attendance.
- Coordinated load planning for drivers to minimize dispatch delays.
- Monitored driver performance, safety compliance and customer service standards.
- Adhered to all applicable laws and regulations governing the transportation industry.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of supplies or materials.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from customers about shipment delays or problems.
- Assisted in resolving customer complaints related to deliveries or other issues.
- Trained new hires on company policies, procedures and safety protocols.
- Ensured all vehicles were properly maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
- Managed a large volume of phone calls while ensuring accuracy in data entry.
- Utilized computer systems to locate addresses, calculate estimated arrival times, and provide directions when necessary.
- Tracked vehicles using GPS technology and provided real-time status updates as needed.
- Performed administrative duties such as filing paperwork, updating databases, and preparing documents for review by management staff.
- Utilized various software systems to facilitate movement, planning and scheduling.
- Alerted personnel of road and weather hazards to minimize accidents and delays.
Firefighter
Pulaski Fire Department
Pulaski, VA
09.2015 - Current
- Communicated effectively with crew members while performing tasks under stressful conditions.
- Participated in training drills and exercises to maintain proficiency in fire suppression tactics.
- Trained continuously to maintain required physical fitness for demanding work.
- Cleaned, serviced and maintained fire apparatus in condition of readiness and performed general maintenance of fire department property.
- Laid hose lines and operated nozzles, pumps, hydrants and fire extinguishers.
- Responded immediately to alarms for fires, vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations.
- Maintained firefighting equipment, including hoses and ladders, on a daily basis.
- Assisted in responding to emergency calls, assessing situations, and providing necessary medical aid.
- Administered emergency treatment and medical care to people injured in accidents and fires.
- Performed search and rescue operations in hazardous environments.
- Informed and educated local community members about fire prevention and safety.
- Assisted in cleaning up hazardous materials following an incident scene.
- Provided support services during natural disasters such as floods or hurricanes.
- Rehabilitated fire hoses, portable water tanks and other equipment.
Wildland Firefighter /Squad Leader /Saw Operator
Virgina Department of Forestry
Pulaski , VA
05.2015 - 09.2020
- Built containment lines around the perimeter of an active wildfire using shovels, Pulaskis and chainsaws.
- Conducted mop-up operations to extinguish remaining hot spots and reduce the risk of further spread.
- Assisted in hazardous fuels reduction projects such as cutting brush, felling trees and chipping debris.
- Provided fire suppression and containment for wildland fires using hand tools, pumps, hoses and other equipment.
- Performed backfire operations to contain advancing fires by burning fuel ahead of them.
- Monitored weather conditions to determine potential impacts on fire behavior.
- Responded quickly and effectively to emergency situations while adhering to safety protocols.
- Inspected assigned area for new starts, smoke sightings or other signs of active fires.
- Informed and educated local community members about fire prevention and safety.
- Assessed terrain features such as slopes, wind direction and vegetation types when responding to a wildfire.
- Minimized devastating wildfires by employing hand tools, dozers and air drops for containment operations.
- Communicated regularly with Incident Command System personnel via radio transmissions about progress made in containing a fire.
- Attended trainings to maintain wealth of knowledge in firefighting techniques and suppression methods, enabling quick decision making during actual emergencies.
- Patrolled previously burned areas after fire containment to locate and eliminate dangerous hot spots.
- Used active listening and effective communication to alleviate issues between personnel members.
- Coordinated with other squads to ensure mission objectives were met.
- Maintained accountability of personnel, equipment, and supplies during deployments.
Education
CDL-Class A
Alliance Tractor Trailer Training Center
Wytheville, VA07-2008
High School Diploma -
Pulaski County High School
Dublin, VA07-2005
Some College (No Degree) - Police Science
New River Community College
Dublin, VASkills
- First Aid Certified
- Fire Prevention Education
- Chainsaw Operation
- High-Pressure Nozzle Changes
- Rescue Equipment Proficiency
- Conditions Assessment
- Fire Control
- Apparatus Maintenance
- Public Assistance and Support
- Alarm Response
- Fire Suppression Tactics
- Burning Building Entry Tactics
- Personnel Management
- Fire Prevention
- Emergency Response
- Compassion and Empathy
- Patient Triage
- Defensive Driving
- Improvement Planning
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Wildland Firefighter
Pulaski County Emergency Management
12.2023 - Current
Driver Manager
Online Transport System
02.2017 - Current
Firefighter
Pulaski Fire Department
09.2015 - Current
Wildland Firefighter /Squad Leader /Saw Operator
Virgina Department of Forestry
05.2015 - 09.2020
CDL-Class A
Alliance Tractor Trailer Training Center
High School Diploma -
Pulaski County High School
Some College (No Degree) - Police Science
New River Community College