Michael Latham
Bay Minette
Summary
Dynamic Fire Captain with extensive experience at Pro-Tec Fire Services, excelling in emergency response and personnel management. Proven track record in fire suppression and hazardous materials response, leading teams to achieve optimal safety outcomes. Committed to public education and interagency coordination, enhancing community fire safety awareness through proactive initiatives.
Experienced with emergency response and crisis management, delivering effective leadership in high-pressure situations. Utilizes strategic planning and team coordination to manage complex operations. Knowledge of fire safety protocols and risk assessment for enhanced community protection.
Emergency response professional with extensive background in fire safety and emergency management. Recognized for ability to lead teams through critical situations and implement effective response strategies. Known for strong team collaboration and adaptability, ensuring reliable and efficient outcomes. Key skills include incident command, crisis management, and strategic decision-making.
Experienced Fire Chief offering extensive list of successes building and leading talented teams in training, drills and high-danger emergency events. Highly committed to safety and continuous provision of quality emergency response. Equipped with strong background overseeing group efforts across diverse facilities ranging in size and complexity.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Captain
Pro-Tec Fire Services
01.2025 - Current
- Led fire suppression efforts during emergency response operations.
- Conducted fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Trained and mentored junior firefighters on operational procedures.
- Coordinated rescue operations, ensuring team safety and efficiency.
- Managed inventory of firefighting equipment and supplies effectively.
- Communicated incident reports clearly to command staff and stakeholders.
- Responded swiftly to alarms, demonstrating quick decision-making skills.
- Led a team of firefighters in extinguishing hazardous material fires, minimizing environmental impact and potential harm to nearby residents.
- Directed work of 2 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
Fire Fighter
Pro-Tec Fire Services
05.2024 - 01.2025
- Responded to emergency calls, ensuring quick and effective intervention.
- Operated firefighting equipment with precision and safety.
- Conducted fire prevention inspections in residential areas.
- Assisted in training new recruits on safety protocols and equipment use.
- Maintained firefighting gear for readiness and reliability during emergencies.
- Collaborated with team members for coordinated firefighting efforts.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to enhance firefighting skills.
- Increased firefighter skill levels by providing ongoing training sessions on new equipment use, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials handling.
- Checked fire and life safety systems and equipment for proper placement at properties.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Operated hoses, pumps, ladders and other firefighting equipment.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
Assistant Fire Chief
Hawthorne ARMY Depot
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Coordinated emergency response efforts during fire incidents, ensuring safety protocols were followed.
- Assisted in developing training programs for firefighting personnel to enhance operational readiness.
- Conducted inspections and assessments of fire equipment, maintaining compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with community organizations to promote fire prevention initiatives and public education.
- Supported incident command operations, facilitating effective communication among team members during emergencies.
- Evaluated and optimized resource allocation for firefighting operations to improve response times.
- Participated in strategic planning sessions, contributing insights to improve departmental policies and procedures.
- Taught lessons to area school children about fire safety.
- Coordinated interagency cooperation during large-scale incidents, ensuring efficient resource allocation and response efforts.
- Assisted with training and development of new firefighters through development of extensive job-related modules.
- Managed personnel schedules, ensuring appropriate staffing levels were maintained at all times for optimal department functionality.
- Commanded squad throughout duration of active fires in order to combat fire, eliminate danger and assist those in need.
- Implemented new technology systems to improve incident management and data analysis capabilities within the department.
- Conducted thorough inspections of commercial and residential properties to identify potential fire hazards and enforce compliance with fire codes.
- Monitored maintenance records of fire engines to keep vehicles updated.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices, ensuring the highest quality of service for the community.
- Oversaw procurement processes for necessary equipment upgrades or replacements, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining operational readiness.
- Delivered lifesaving CPR for victims of auto accidents and fire emergencies.
- Collaborated with local community groups to promote fire safety awareness and prevention initiatives.
- Established and continued communication with local government to maintain positive relationship.
- Aided law enforcement with spotting and reporting dangerous weather conditions and damage.
- Evaluated firefighter performance during training exercises, identifying areas for improvement and offering constructive feedback for skill enhancement.
- Served as a liaison between the fire department and other municipal agencies or government officials regarding public safety concerns.
- Directed work of 7 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
- Supervised firehouse operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
- Assigned firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
- Prepared and adjusted schedules to cover demand.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
Fire Captain
Hawthorne ARMY Depot
03.2020 - 01.2023
- Supervised emergency response operations, ensuring safety protocols were followed during fire incidents.
- Coordinated training programs for firefighters, enhancing team readiness and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented strategies for equipment maintenance, reducing downtime and improving reliability.
- Led incident command during emergencies, directing resources and personnel to optimize response efforts.
- Conducted performance evaluations of team members, providing feedback to foster professional growth.
- Analyzed post-incident reports to identify areas for improvement in response tactics and procedures.
- Collaborated with local agencies on fire prevention initiatives, strengthening community relations and outreach efforts.
- Managed inventory of firefighting supplies and equipment, ensuring availability for emergency situations.
- Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
- Directed work of 5 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
- Promoted fire safety awareness within the community by organizing and participating in public outreach events, such as open houses and safety presentations.
- Streamlined equipment maintenance processes, ensuring rapid deployment during emergency situations without compromising safety standards.
- Facilitated interdepartmental training exercises that fostered teamwork between firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers on scene management techniques.
- Delivered timely incident reports to senior leadership, providing accurate data for budgetary decisions and policy development purposes.
- Made daily inspections of facilities and equipment.
- Enhanced emergency response efficiency by implementing streamlined communication protocols within the department.
- Oversaw multi-agency responses to large-scale incidents, coordinating resources effectively for successful outcomes.
- Led critical incident debriefings, fostering culture of continuous improvement and resilience among crew members.
- Negotiated with vendors to acquire high-quality firefighting equipment at cost-effective prices, optimizing department's budget.
- Mentored new recruits and junior officers, guiding them through rigorous training programs and preparing them for advancement within department.
- Checked fire suppression equipment regularly and oversaw upkeep.
- Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
- Inspected stations, uniforms and vehicles regularly for signs of maintenance needs or general professionalism.
- Inspected buildings to determine fire risk and advise owners on prevention methods.
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
Firefighter
Fort Mojave Fire District
05.2019 - 01.2020
- Conducted fire suppression and rescue operations in high-pressure environments.
- Collaborated with emergency response teams to ensure safety and efficiency during incidents.
- Developed training programs for new recruits, enhancing team performance and operational readiness.
- Implemented safety protocols, reducing risk during fire response and community outreach activities.
- Assisted in fire prevention inspections, educating the public on safety measures and fire hazards.
- Maintained firefighting equipment and apparatus, ensuring optimal readiness for emergency responses.
- 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.
- Utilized technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.
- Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
- Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
- Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
- Assisted in wildfire suppression efforts by coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to establish containment lines and protect threatened structures.
- Participated in post-incident analyses to identify areas for improvement in departmental policies and procedures.
- Conducted search and rescue operations during natural disasters, locating trapped individuals and providing assistance as needed.
- Provided compassionate support to individuals and families affected by fire incidents, aiding in their recovery process.
- Provided immediate medical attention to victims at emergency scenes, ensuring swift stabilization before hospital transport.
- Improved public awareness and education on fire safety practices through community workshops and school programs.
- Operated hoses, pumps, ladders and other firefighting equipment.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Assisted with regular maintenance of firefighting equipment.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
- Conducted thorough tests and inspections of gear, equipment and tools to stay ready for every type of fire.
- Diagnosed and located hazardous materials and other sources of fires.
Firefighter
Poarch Creek Indians
05.2009 - 05.2019
- 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.
- Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
- Contributed to positive outcomes during multi-agency responses by effectively collaborating with law enforcement personnel, paramedics, and other emergency service providers.
- Collaborated with other emergency responders on scene to establish adequate fire suppression.
- Assisted in the containment of hazardous materials spills, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
- Strengthened interdepartmental relationships through participation in joint training exercises with neighboring fire departments.
- Coordinated with local schools to conduct fire drills, ensuring students and staff were prepared for real-life emergencies.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through advanced firefighting and rescue training courses.
- Improved fire station operations and response strategies through regular review and process optimization.
- Led team in high-risk rescues, safely evacuating individuals from hazardous environments.
- Completed training to stay in peak physical fitness and handle challenging tasks.
- Effectively supported fire suppression by setting up and maintaining water supply lines.
- Assisted in prevention of fires through public education programs.
- Inspected alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for operational use to minimize incidents.
- Evaluated areas after containing fires to identify and suppress hot spots.
- Carried out fire inspections to identify fire hazards and recommend corrective measures.
- Conducted fire suppression and rescue operations in high-pressure environments.
- Maintained firefighting equipment and apparatus, ensuring optimal readiness for emergency responses.
- 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.
- Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
- Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
- Conducted search and rescue operations during natural disasters, locating trapped individuals and providing assistance as needed.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
Education
No Degree - Fire Science And Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL08-2029
General Studies
Evangel Temple Home School
Montgomery, AL05-1998
Skills
- Personnel management
- Emergency response
- Technical rescue
- Fire suppression
- Emergency response procedures
- Public education
- Fire inspection suppression
- Hazardous materials response
- Incident command
- Emergency management
- Fire prevention
- Interagency coordination
- Fire inspection investigations
- Fire response team direction
Accomplishments
Was nominated by the Hawthorne Army Depot Fire Department as Fire Officer of the Year.
Certification
- Firefighter I
- Firefighter II
- HAZMAT A&O
- HAZMAT Technician
- Fire Inspector I
- Fire Instructor I
- Fire Officer I
- Apparatus Operator Pumper
- Apparatus Operator Aerial
- Mobile Water Supply
- Intro Tech Rescue
- Rope Rescue Technician
- Confine Space I
- Confine Space II
- Surface Water Rescue I & II
- Swift Water Rescue I & II
- Trench Rescue Technician
- Vehicle & Machinery Technician
- Fire Investigator
- NIMS 100
- NIMS 200
- NIMS 300
- NIMS 400
- NIMS 701
- NIMS 702
- NIMS 703
- NIMS 704
- NIMS 800
Timeline
Fire Captain
Pro-Tec Fire Services
01.2025 - Current
Fire Fighter
Pro-Tec Fire Services
05.2024 - 01.2025
Assistant Fire Chief
Hawthorne ARMY Depot
01.2023 - 05.2024
Fire Captain
Hawthorne ARMY Depot
03.2020 - 01.2023
Firefighter
Fort Mojave Fire District
05.2019 - 01.2020
Firefighter
Poarch Creek Indians
05.2009 - 05.2019
No Degree - Fire Science And Administration
Columbia Southern University
General Studies
Evangel Temple Home School
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