Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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N. Terry Lucich

Summary

Dynamic Fire Chief with extensive experience at McMinnville, Lafayette and Carlton Fire Department, excelling in emergency management and fire suppression. Proven track record in developing training programs and enhancing team performance. Skilled in interagency coordination, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategic fire prevention initiatives that significantly improved community safety. Committed to operational excellence and staff development.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience

Work History

Interim Fire Chief

Yamhill Rural Fire Protection
08.2025 - Current
  • Evaluated existing processes, proposing enhancements that improved overall operational effectiveness.
  • Directed emergency response operations, ensuring swift and effective action during critical incidents.
  • Developed training programs for volunteer firefighters, enhancing skills and safety protocols across the department.
  • Directed work of about 25 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
  • Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
  • Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
  • Supervised firehouse operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
  • Implemented strategic initiatives to improve community engagement and fire prevention awareness.
  • Oversaw departmental budget management, aligning resources with operational priorities to maximize efficiency.
  • Evaluated performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in firefighting techniques and response times.

Fire Chief

Carlton Fire Department
10.1999 - 11.2022
  • Led emergency response operations, coordinating firefighting efforts and ensuring team safety during high-stress situations.
  • Developed training programs for firefighters, enhancing skills in fire suppression techniques and safety protocols.
  • Implemented strategic fire prevention initiatives, reducing potential hazards in community areas through outreach and education.
  • Mentored volunteer firefighters, fostering professional development and promoting a culture of teamwork within the department.
  • Conducted regular inspections of fire apparatus and facilities, maintaining compliance with safety regulations and standards.
  • Established strong relationships with local government officials to secure necessary funding and resources for the department''s needs.
  • Supervised incident command operations, ensuring proper coordination among on-scene personnel and effective communication with external agencies.
  • Directed work of 20-25 volunteer firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
  • Managed budget allocations for equipment purchases, ensuring optimal resource utilization across fire department operations.
  • Managed department budget effectively, prioritizing essential equipment purchases and maintenance without compromising safety standards.
  • Collaborated with neighboring departments for seamless interoperability during large-scale emergencies or natural disasters.

Fire Chief

City of Lafayette
06.1997 - 11.2022
  • Led emergency response operations, ensuring effective resource allocation during critical incidents.
  • Developed and implemented volunteer training programs for firefighters, enhancing team performance and safety awareness.
  • Analyzed incident data to identify trends, informing policy adjustments and operational improvements.
  • Managed budget allocations effectively, optimizing resources while maintaining high service standards.
  • Coordinated large-scale emergency drills, evaluating response effectiveness and implementing necessary changes for improvement.
  • Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
  • Successfully led large-scale emergency exercises, testing the readiness of personnel under high-pressure scenarios and identifying gaps in response capabilities.
  • Strengthened interdepartmental communication through regular meetings, improving collaboration on projects involving multiple divisions.
  • Enhanced firefighting strategies for better efficiency in extinguishing fires and reducing property damage.
  • Established a training academy program for newer volunteer firefighters that increased their skills development rate significantly.
  • Established strategic partnerships with local agencies to improve community outreach and fire prevention initiatives.
  • Oversaw compliance with regulations, conducting inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards and protocols.
  • Assisted in getting the city a new state of the art station for paid staff due to the growing needs of the community.



Station Commander

McMinnville Fire Department
05.2007 - 03.2011
  • Assisted in developing safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
  • Supported daily operations by coordinating logistical tasks and resource allocation.
  • Learned to purchase, operate, and repair all communication systems effectively for incident reporting.
  • Contributed to maintaining equipment readiness through routine inspections and maintenance checks.
  • Responsible for 7-10 personnel for B shift a 24 hour shift.
  • Adapted quickly to changing environments, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  • Learned to operate communication systems effectively for incident reporting.

Firefighter/Field Paramedic

McMinnville Fire Department
08.1983 - 04.2007
  • Led emergency response teams during fire incidents, ensuring safety and coordination among personnel.
  • Conducted regular equipment inspections to maintain compliance with safety regulations and operational readiness.
  • Developed training programs for new firefighters, enhancing team performance and adherence to protocols.
  • Implemented innovative firefighting techniques that improved response times and operational efficiency.
  • Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
  • Utilized technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.
  • Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
  • Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
  • Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
  • Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
  • Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
  • Collaborated with other emergency responders on scene to establish adequate fire suppression.
  • Participated in post-incident analyses to identify areas for improvement in departmental policies and procedures.
  • Provided compassionate support to individuals and families affected by fire incidents, aiding in their recovery process.
  • Conducted thorough investigations of fire scenes to determine causes, contributing to prevention efforts.
  • Led team in high-risk rescues, safely evacuating individuals from hazardous environments.
  • Optimized response times to emergency calls by analyzing and adjusting deployment strategies.
  • Trained new recruits in fire suppression techniques, improving team efficiency and readiness.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

Linfield University
McMinnville, OR
05-1974

Oregon Fire Administration Certificate - Fire Science

Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR
06-1997

No Degree - Fire Science

DPSST
Salem, OR

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Fast learner
  • Problem-solving
  • Firefighting operations
  • Incident command
  • Fire suppression
  • Emergency management
  • Fire prevention
  • Interagency coordination
  • Building inspections
  • Staff development
  • Fire protection

Timeline

Interim Fire Chief

Yamhill Rural Fire Protection
08.2025 - Current

Station Commander

McMinnville Fire Department
05.2007 - 03.2011

Fire Chief

Carlton Fire Department
10.1999 - 11.2022

Fire Chief

City of Lafayette
06.1997 - 11.2022

Firefighter/Field Paramedic

McMinnville Fire Department
08.1983 - 04.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

Linfield University

Oregon Fire Administration Certificate - Fire Science

Western Oregon University

No Degree - Fire Science

DPSST

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