MICHAEL A. TENNEY
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Results-driven fire service leader with extensive Department of Defense and Air Force Fire & Emergency Services experience. Proven ability to lead Airmen and civilian firefighters in high-risk, all-hazard environments, ensuring operational readiness, personnel safety, and mission success through strong leadership and effective communication. Demonstrated expertise in health and safety program implementation, risk management, and incident command, with a proven ability to influence safety culture and reduce operational risk.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Battalion Chief
Davis-Monthan AFB
AZ
01.2024 - Current
- Serve as acting Assistant Chief of Operations, overseeing department-wide emergency operations, staffing, and strategic decision-making in the absence of senior leadership
- Command multiple companies in airfield, structural, aircraft, and EMS operations
- Serve as Incident Commander ensuring safety, accountability, and resource deployment
- Lead and mentor Airmen and firefighters improving readiness and performance
- Oversee training, compliance, and safety programs aligned with DoD standards
- Conduct post-incident reviews and implement risk reduction measures
Captain / Lead Firefighter
DoD Fire & Emergency Services
01.2006 - 01.2024
- Assisted in development and implementation of operational procedures and safety initiatives improving department readiness and response effectiveness
- Led crews in structural, aircraft, EMS, and hazardous materials incidents
- Functioned as Incident Safety Officer ensuring safe operations
- Responsible for tactical decision-making, crew accountability, and mission success
- Conducted training, inspections, and public education programs
Operations Manager
AmbuMed
San Diego, CA
11.2005 - 12.2006
- Managed daily ambulance operations including staffing, deployment, and resource allocation to ensure efficient response times and continuous coverage
- Provided direct patient care as an EMT while supervising crews, ensuring adherence to clinical protocols, safety standards, and quality assurance measures
- Coordinated training, performance evaluations, and operational improvements to enhance crew readiness, compliance, and overall service delivery
Firefighter (Reserve)
Pine Valley Fire Department
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Contributed to emergency response operations supporting structural, wildland, and EMS incidents within a rural response area
- Responded to fire, EMS, wildland, and vehicle incidents
- Completed Firefighter I academy and foundational certifications
- Assisted with station duties, equipment maintenance, and readiness
Damage Controlman
United States Navy
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Supported shipboard emergency readiness through training, equipment maintenance, and damage control operations in high-risk environments
- Performed shipboard firefighting, damage control, and emergency repair operations
- Trained personnel in firefighting and CBR defense
- Maintained firefighting and safety systems
Education
BS - Occupational Safety & Health / Fire Administration
01-2017
AA - Fire Science
01-2006
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Effective Communication
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Decision-Making Under Pressure
- Conflict Resolution
- Mentorship & Coaching
- Risk Management & Safety Compliance
- Training & Instruction
- Adaptability
- Incident command
Accomplishments
- Arizona Fire School Tactics and Strategies Instructor delivering advanced fireground instruction
- Blue Card Incident Command Instructor and Blue Card ARFF Instructor
- Certified 14 Incident Commanders in the Blue Card system at Davis-Monthan AFB
- Credentialed Fire Officer (FO), Center for Public Safety Excellence
- AFIT WMGT 427 - Fire & Emergency Services Flight Management Course (March 2026)
- Davis-Monthan AFB Fire Department of the Year (2024)
Certification
- Fire Officer I, II, III
- Fire Instructor I, II
- Fire Inspector I, II
- Fire Department Incident Safety Officer
- Fire Department Health & Safety Officer
- Hazmat Incident Commander
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Driver/Operator ARFF, Pumper, MWS, & Aerial
- Confined Space Rescue Technician
- Tele-Communicator I, II
- National Registry EMT
- Airport Firefighter
- Firefighter I, II
- ICS 100 Introduction to Incident Command System
- ICS 200 ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incident
- ICS 300 Intermediate Incident Command System
- ICS 400 Advanced Incident Command System
- ICS 700 Introduction to National Incident Management System
- ICS 800 Introduction to National Response Framework
- USAF EMT Instructor, Red Cross BLS Instructor
Timeline
Battalion Chief
Davis-Monthan AFB
01.2024 - Current
Captain / Lead Firefighter
DoD Fire & Emergency Services
01.2006 - 01.2024
Operations Manager
AmbuMed
11.2005 - 12.2006
Firefighter (Reserve)
Pine Valley Fire Department
01.2005 - 01.2006
Damage Controlman
United States Navy
01.2000 - 01.2005
AA - Fire Science
BS - Occupational Safety & Health / Fire Administration
AWARDS
2025 CAT II Civilian of the Quarter – 1st Quarter, Junior Civilian of the Year (MSG) – 2023, Junior Civilian of the Year – 1st Quarter 2023, Junior Civilian of the Quarter – 4th Quarter 2022