Nathaniel A. Rice
PRINCEVILLE,IL
Summary
Dynamic fire service leader with extensive experience, excelling in emergency management, and community engagement. Proven track record in strategic planning and budget management, enhancing program performance through data analysis. Adept at fostering team development and effective communication, driving successful outcomes in developing healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Division Chief of Fire Prevention
Peoria Fire Department
Peoria, IL
06.2021 - Current
- Currently, I oversee the Fire Prevention Division, which includes Fire Inspections, Investigations, and Hazardous Material programs.
- I also oversee all Community Risk Reduction programs within the department, including permitting for construction, events, and pyrotechnics. This includes handling multiple media responsibilities and managing numerous public education programs. I also analyze data from various sources for trends and insights into program performance, as part of Community Risk Reduction.
- I serve as the Accreditation Manager and am the Freedom of Information Officer.
- I participated in budgeting activities by preparing cost estimates for proposed programs or initiatives, and analyzing line-item budgets for departmental operations.
- I read through contracts, regulations, and procedural guidelines in the development of policies and procedures in accordance with organizational objectives to verify comprehension and compliance.
- Conducted regular meetings with department staff to review progress towards meeting established goals.
Battalion Chief
Peoria Fire Department
Peoria, IL
01.2019 - 06.2021
- I coordinated personnel, equipment, and resources during emergency responses on a daily basis.
- I provided clear and decisive leadership by rapidly assessing and responding to changing field conditions.
- I performed various administrative tasks, ensuring the daily shift was operating effectively and efficiently.
- I analyzed data from incident reports to identify trends or patterns that could inform future decisions regarding tactics or strategies used in similar situations.
- I prepared and reviewed detailed reports summarizing incident operations and personnel matters when appropriate.
- I oversaw the station maintenance requests and necessities for effective operation.
- I established and maintained effective relationships with subordinates, peers, and superiors to ensure successful completion of assigned tasks.
Fire Captain
Peoria Fire Department
Peoria, IL
03.2012 - 12.2018
- I served as a single company operations captain, responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, and hazardous material response and operation.
- I served as a training captain within operations, with a focus on on-duty personnel training, as well as periodic probationary member training.
- I inspected buildings to determine compliance with fire codes and fire prevention protocols.
- I drafted reports of fires, equipment, and personnel.
- I provided leadership and guidance to assigned crew members during drills, exercises, and real-world operations.
Fire Engineer
Peoria Fire Department
Peoria, IL
09.2009 - 03.2012
- I operated all department apparatus in emergency and non-emergency operations.
- I cleaned, serviced, and maintained fire apparatus in a condition of readiness, and performed general maintenance of fire department property.
- I established and managed water supplies to support suppression activities.
- In the absence of the company officer, I served as the acting company officer.
Firefighter
Peoria Fire Department
Peoria, IL
11.1999 - 09.2009
- I was responsible for participating in fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, and hazardous material response and operation.
- I inspected apparatus and equipment for proper operation prior to use on emergency calls.
Assistant Chief
Akron-Princeville Fire Protection District
Princeville, IL
05.1990 - 09.2000
- I was involved in fire suppression, emergency medical, and rescue operations for a volunteer fire protection district.
- I served as an officer for 3 years—2 years as a Captain, and 1 year as an Assistant Chief.
- I served as the training officer for three years and developed a progressive training program with emphasis on probationary firefighters.
- I was involved in multiple community PR events.
Education
Master of Science - Fire Executive Leadership/Public Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL05-2025
Executive Fire Officer Program -
National Fire Academy
Emmitsburg, MD04.2023
Bachelor of Science - Fire & Safety with emphasis in Fire & Arson Investigation
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY12.1997
Skills
- Emergency management
- Administrative management
- Budget management
- Project management
- Community engagement
- Interagency coordination
- Effective communication
- Team building
- Staff development
- Strategic planning
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Goal setting
- Policy development
Affiliations
- Substitute teacher 2010-2021
- High school football coach 2012-present
- Junior high school track coach 2013-2021
- Princeville Aquatic Center Manager 2010-2021
- Princeville to Peoria St. Jude Run 2012-present
- Akron-Princeville Fire Protection District trustee 2023-present
- St. Mary of the Woods Growing Disciples parish leader 2022-present
Certification
- Designation as Chief Fire Officer through Center for Public Safety Excellence in April 2024
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700, & 800
- Fire Officer I & II
- Incident Safety Officer
- Fire Inspector I
- Fire Instructor I & II
- Hazardous Material Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
- Technical Rescue Awareness
Accomplishments
- Executive Fire Officer Capstone project "Is Community Paramedicine the Answer?: An Evaluation of an EMS System Weaknesses and Solutions" - published in the NETC library
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Division Chief of Fire Prevention
Peoria Fire Department
06.2021 - Current
Battalion Chief
Peoria Fire Department
01.2019 - 06.2021
Fire Captain
Peoria Fire Department
03.2012 - 12.2018
Fire Engineer
Peoria Fire Department
09.2009 - 03.2012
Firefighter
Peoria Fire Department
11.1999 - 09.2009
Assistant Chief
Akron-Princeville Fire Protection District
05.1990 - 09.2000
Master of Science - Fire Executive Leadership/Public Administration
Columbia Southern University
Executive Fire Officer Program -
National Fire Academy
Bachelor of Science - Fire & Safety with emphasis in Fire & Arson Investigation
Eastern Kentucky University
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