Veteran Battalion Chief possessing in-depth knowledge of law enforcement; fire suppression command, control, tactics, & techniques; behavioral health and wellness; and department policies & procedures. 30 Years of fire service experience and training, including an overlapping 17 years of law enforcement experience. Analytical and solution-oriented with specialty in fire investigations and utility company infrastructure. Enjoys working with coworkers and the public. Ensures employees' mental health and wellbeing is a priority. Peer support advocate throughout the department and history of peer support in cooperation with Local 2881.
Hi, I’m
Preston Fouts
Lakeside,CA
Summary
Overview
28
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
CAL FIRE - Behavioral Health And Wellness Program
Battalion Chief
05.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Conducting assistance with Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Peer Support Program, Fire Chaplain utilization, Addiction and Substance Abuse Assistance Program (ASAP), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Provide Battalion level supervision and leadership within the ESS Unit.
- Assist with Law Enforcement and Returning Veterans Program
- Peer Support at Unit and Region Levels
- Assist Units in identifying, training, and supporting primarily uniformed Unit personnel interested in participating in the Peer Support Program and Critical Incident Stress Management Program.
- Encourages and assists in development of Local/Unit peer support and CISM teams.
- Maintains a list of professional resources for potential referrals.
- Ensures that all program protocols are followed and that confidentiality is maintained
- Promptly responds to requests by supervisors, family members and employees to provide peer support to primarily uniformed personnel.
- Attends continuing education seminars to maintain expertise in peer support and stress management.
- Serves as a liaison with the Employee Assistance Program provider to ensure that proper access and support are provided to employees and family members that may be suffering with alcohol and other drug abuse related problems.
- Provides timely feedback to ESS Program Manager and CAL FIRE Executive team on ways to strengthen and enhance overall program efficacy.
- Peer Support Program at the Individual or Family Level .
- Critical Incident Response
- Cover ESS Unit Help Line on rotating scheduled basis with other ESS staff.
- Develop, Organize, Facilitate and Deliver BHWP training.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit
Law Enforcement Battalion Chief
02.2016 - 04.2023
Job overview
- Supervision of three Fire Captain Specialists and one Office Technician
- Field Battalion coverage in San Diego County including the contracts of San Diego County Fire Protection District & Deer Springs FPD
- Supervision of staff assigned to defensible space and utility inspections
- Fire scene origin and cause determination for both criminal and civil cases
- Enforcement of state forest and fire laws
- Positive interaction with local, state, and federal law enforcement and fire suppression agencies
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit - San Miguel FPD
Battalion Chief
06.2014 - 02.2016
Job overview
- Supervision of 9 Schedule "A' Stations and 2 Schedule "B" Stations
- Field Battalion coverage in the San Miguel Fire Protection District and including the contracts of San Diego County Fire Authority, Ramona Municipal Water District & Deer Springs Fire Protection District
- Oversaw Fleet Operations and maintenance contract
- Managed Tactical Medic Program assisting San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the FBI
- Positive interaction with local, state, and federal law enforcement and fire suppression agencies
- Determined how to deploy personnel during periods requiring special fire department response and assigned activities
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds and stations for proper order and condition
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs
CAL FIRE Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino Unit
Law Enforcement Battalion Chief
08.2011 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Supervision of two Fire Captain Specialists and one Fire Prevention Specialist
- Field Battalion coverage in Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino Counties including contracts of the City of Yucaipa and the City of Highland
- Power Line Inspection Coordinator under "Operation Santa Ana"
- Fire scene origin and cause determination for both criminal and civil cases
- Enforcement of state forest and fire laws
- Positive interaction with local, state, and federal law enforcement and fire suppression agencies
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit
Fire Captain Specialist
03.2007 - 07.2011
Job overview
- Fire scene origin and cause determination for both criminal and civil cases
- Fire Hazard Abatement Program Manager
- Power Line Inspection Coordinator under "Operation Santa Ana"
- Enforcement of state forest and fire laws
- Positive interaction with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
- CDF Firefighters Chapter Director of Rank and File for 3 Years
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
CAL FIRE MMU Emergency Command Center
Fire Captain
05.2004 - 02.2007
Job overview
- Intricate knowledge of the command and operational organization of CAL FIRE
- Ability to multi-task and communicate effectively in emergency situations
- Ability to use multiple computer programs and databases on a daily basis
- Positive interaction with co-workers, co-operating agencies, and the public
- CDF Firefighters Chapter Director for 1 Year
- Managed 10 dispatchers while leading and delegating job assignments, tracking project status, processing payroll and resolving issues to maximize productivity
- Closely monitored dispatch board to triage and prioritize over 50 daily calls
- Received public emergency and non-emergency calls and supervised response prioritization in order to effectively dispatch official units such as fire and EMS while tracking data in real-time environments
- Routed calls to fire and ambulance service to meet individual call needs
CAL FIRE MMU
Fire Apparatus Engineer
06.1999 - 05.2004
Job overview
- Protected community from house and building fires.
- Hazardous Materials Specialist and Decon Training Coordinator for Madera County
- Coordinator/Instructor for first aid and home & office safety classes for local businesses
- Organizing fire prevention programs at the fire station and in schools ranging from preschool to high school
- 4 ½ years Schedule “A” experience in Madera City and 6 months experience in Schedule “B”
- CDF Firefighters Alternate Chapter Director for 2 years
- Cleaned and inspected all equipment
- Responded to fire alarms and extinguished fires
- Used sophisticated firefighting and rescue equipment
- Developed fire suppression plans and systems for residential, educational and commercial buildings
- Consulted with customers to evaluate sites, discuss project requirements and determine optimal fire protection plans
- Completed in-depth building inspections to assess safety and check compliance with codes
- Prepared reports of fires, equipment and personnel
- Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services
CAL FIRE MMU
Firefighter I
07.1996 - 10.1998
Job overview
- CDF/Madera County Fire Explorer Scout Advisor for 2 Years
- Assisted in the training of new seasonal firefighters
- Completed advanced firefighter training
- Patrolled burnt areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that could flare or rekindle
- Cut and cleared brush and dug trenches to create fire lines using axes, chainsaws or shovels
- Established water supplies, connected hoses and directed water onto fires
- Maintained close contact with dispatch to receive and share information about current fires, equipment movements and incoming personnel
- Completed training to stay in peak physical fitness and handle challenging tasks
- Provided station tours, pre-incident surveys and installed smoke detectors to provide fire education to public
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds and stations for proper order and condition
- Administered first aid and conducted emergent response management
Education
San Diego Miramar CollegeSan Diego, CA
from Fire Science
University Overview
Santa Ana CollegeSanta Ana, CA
from Fire Science
University Overview
Fresno City CollegeFresno, CA
from Criminal Justice
University Overview
University of PhoenixFresno, CA
from General Studies
University Overview
Bakersfield CollegeBakersfield, CA
from Fire Science
University Overview
State Center Community College District - OakhurstOakhurst, CA
from General Studies
University Overview
Yosemite High SchoolOakhurst, CA
High School Diploma
06.1995
University Overview
Skills
- Emergency Situations
- Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Health
- Prevention Activities
- Critical Thinking
- Regulatory & Code Enforcement
- Court Testimony
- Community Risk Reduction
- Utility Company Interactions
- Privacy and Confidentiality
- Peer Interaction
- Effective Listening
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Emotional Support
- Dynamic Communication Skills
- Creative Solutions
- Effective Working Relationships
Certification
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- ICISF Assisting Individuals in Crisis
- ICISF Group Crisis Intervention
- C-404 Safety Officer
- WCTC Analytical Tradecraft for Law Enforcement
- ARJIS 100 for Beginning & Intermediate Users
- SD-LECC Policing Violent Extremism 2
- SD-LECC Behavioral Threat Assessment: Preventing Active Shooter/Killer
- SD-LECC Policing Violent Extremism 1
- CSFM Fire Investigation Certification 1 & 2
- CSFM Fire Investigation 2B
- CSFM Fire Investigation 2A
- POST Supervisory Course
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Incident Commander
- S-390 Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
- CAL FIRE Serious Accident Review Team Workshop
- POST Crisis Intervention & Behavior Health
- C-402 Agency Representative & NIMS L-956 All Hazards Liaison Officer
- I-400 Advanced ICS
- E/L 958: All-Hazards Operations Section Chief
- NWCG C-234 Intermediate Firing Methods
- BATI Behavior Analysis Investigative Interview & Interrogation Techniques
- NWCG S-330 Strike Team Leader – All Risk
- CAL FIRE Supervision 4
- CAL FIRE Civil Case Manager Workshop
- CAL FIRE Supervision 3
- NWCG S-339 Division/Group Supervisor
- CAL FIRE Incident Management 3
- CAL FIRE Firearms Instructor Course
- POST Certified Field Training Officer Course
- CAL FIRE S-203 Basic Information Officer
- SD RTTAC Terrorism Liaison Officer Training
- CAL FIRE Surveillance Operations Course
- CSFM Fire Investigation 1B
- NWCG Wildland Fire Investigation, FI-310 Case Development
- NWCG Wildland Fire Investigation, FI–210 Origin and Cause Determination
- CDF 20-week POST Basic Academy Course
- CDF Emergency Command Center Modules #1-4
- California Joint Apprenticeship Committee Completion Certification
- CDF Incident Management II
- CDF Leadership Fundamentals
- ICS I-300 Intermediate ICS
- CSTI Specialist Program – Hazardous Materials Specialist
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Specialist 1G
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Specialist 1F
- CSTI Instructor Certification for Trainers
- CDF Incident Management I
- CSFM Fire Investigation 1A
- CDF Dispatch Recorder D-110
- CDF Basic Fire Control 2B
- CDF S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behaivor
- CDF Basic Fire Control 2A
- CDF Basic Fire Control 1B
- FSTEP Fire Control 2
- FSTEP Fire Control 3
- CDF Basic Fire Control 1A
- I-100 & I-200
- FSTEP Trench Rescue
- CSFM Fire Prevention 1C
- CDF Basic Fire Engine Operations #49
- CSFM Fire Prevention 1B
- CSTI Technician Program – Hazardous Materials Technician
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Technician 1D
- CSFM Fire Prevention 1A
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Technician 1C
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Technician 1B
- CDF Advanced Firefighter I
- FSTEP Confined Space Rescue Awareness Train the Trainer
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Technician 1A
- FSTEP Confined Space Rescue Operations
- CSFM Instructor 1B
- CSFM Instructor 1A
- CSFM Driver Operator 1A
- Rescue 3 International Swiftwater Rescue Technician II
- Rescue 3 International Swiftwater Rescue Technician I
- FSTEP River and Flood Water Rescue
- National Fire Academy Leadership I, II, & III
- CDF Basic Forest Firefighter
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- IAFF Addressing Suicide in the Fire Service
- ICISF Strategic Response to Crisis
- ICISF Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- ICISF Assisting Individuals in Crisis Training
- ICISF Assisting Groups Crisis Intervention Training
- US Police & Fire Olympics Gold Medal - Full Marathon
- CDF’s 20-week POST Basic Academy Course
- CAL FIRE Surveillance Course
- Internal Affairs Investigations in the Fire Service Course
- California State Fire Marshal Fire Investigation 1A, 1B, 2A, & 2B
- California State Fire Marshal Fire Investigator 1 & 2 Certification
- National Wildfire Coordination Group FI-210 & FI-310
- Field Training Officer
- California State Fire Marshal Fire Prevention 1A, 1B, & 1C
- 2 week study of law and law enforcement in London, England
- Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)
- Law Enforcement Invest Spec (LEIS)
- Strike Team Leader (STEN)
- Division/Group Supervisor (Trainee)
- Operations Section Chief (Trainee)
- Agency Representative (Trainee)
- Lead SART Investigator
- CAL FIRE L2881 Labor Representative for 20+ years
- Investigated approximately 1500+ fires
References
References
Thom Porter
Director-Emergency Management
San Diego Gas & Electric
619-936-5553
Daryll Piña
Fire Coordinator
San Diego Gas & Electric
619-937-1502
Jace Chapin
Assistant Chief - CSR Law Enforcement
CAL FIRE
559-696-2803
Fred Workman
Regional Law Enforcement Specialist
US Fish & Wildlife Service
619-247-9399
Timeline
Battalion Chief
CAL FIRE - Behavioral Health And Wellness Program
05.2023 - Current
Law Enforcement Battalion Chief
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit
02.2016 - 04.2023
Battalion Chief
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit - San Miguel FPD
06.2014 - 02.2016
Law Enforcement Battalion Chief
CAL FIRE Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino Unit
08.2011 - 06.2014
Fire Captain Specialist
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit
03.2007 - 07.2011
Fire Captain
CAL FIRE MMU Emergency Command Center
05.2004 - 02.2007
Fire Apparatus Engineer
CAL FIRE MMU
06.1999 - 05.2004
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE MMU
07.1996 - 10.1998
San Diego Miramar College
from Fire Science
Santa Ana College
from Fire Science
Fresno City College
from Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
from General Studies
Bakersfield College
from Fire Science
State Center Community College District - Oakhurst
from General Studies
Yosemite High School
High School Diploma
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- ICISF Assisting Individuals in Crisis
- ICISF Group Crisis Intervention
- C-404 Safety Officer
- WCTC Analytical Tradecraft for Law Enforcement
- ARJIS 100 for Beginning & Intermediate Users
- SD-LECC Policing Violent Extremism 2
- SD-LECC Behavioral Threat Assessment: Preventing Active Shooter/Killer
- SD-LECC Policing Violent Extremism 1
- CSFM Fire Investigation Certification 1 & 2
- CSFM Fire Investigation 2B
- CSFM Fire Investigation 2A
- POST Supervisory Course
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Incident Commander
- S-390 Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
- CAL FIRE Serious Accident Review Team Workshop
- POST Crisis Intervention & Behavior Health
- C-402 Agency Representative & NIMS L-956 All Hazards Liaison Officer
- I-400 Advanced ICS
- E/L 958: All-Hazards Operations Section Chief
- NWCG C-234 Intermediate Firing Methods
- BATI Behavior Analysis Investigative Interview & Interrogation Techniques
- NWCG S-330 Strike Team Leader – All Risk
- CAL FIRE Supervision 4
- CAL FIRE Civil Case Manager Workshop
- CAL FIRE Supervision 3
- NWCG S-339 Division/Group Supervisor
- CAL FIRE Incident Management 3
- CAL FIRE Firearms Instructor Course
- POST Certified Field Training Officer Course
- CAL FIRE S-203 Basic Information Officer
- SD RTTAC Terrorism Liaison Officer Training
- CAL FIRE Surveillance Operations Course
- CSFM Fire Investigation 1B
- NWCG Wildland Fire Investigation, FI-310 Case Development
- NWCG Wildland Fire Investigation, FI–210 Origin and Cause Determination
- CDF 20-week POST Basic Academy Course
- CDF Emergency Command Center Modules #1-4
- California Joint Apprenticeship Committee Completion Certification
- CDF Incident Management II
- CDF Leadership Fundamentals
- ICS I-300 Intermediate ICS
- CSTI Specialist Program – Hazardous Materials Specialist
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Specialist 1G
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Specialist 1F
- CSTI Instructor Certification for Trainers
- CDF Incident Management I
- CSFM Fire Investigation 1A
- CDF Dispatch Recorder D-110
- CDF Basic Fire Control 2B
- CDF S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behaivor
- CDF Basic Fire Control 2A
- CDF Basic Fire Control 1B
- FSTEP Fire Control 2
- FSTEP Fire Control 3
- CDF Basic Fire Control 1A
- I-100 & I-200
- FSTEP Trench Rescue
- CSFM Fire Prevention 1C
- CDF Basic Fire Engine Operations #49
- CSFM Fire Prevention 1B
- CSTI Technician Program – Hazardous Materials Technician
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Technician 1D
- CSFM Fire Prevention 1A
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Technician 1C
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Technician 1B
- CDF Advanced Firefighter I
- FSTEP Confined Space Rescue Awareness Train the Trainer
- CSTI Hazardous Materials Technician 1A
- FSTEP Confined Space Rescue Operations
- CSFM Instructor 1B
- CSFM Instructor 1A
- CSFM Driver Operator 1A
- Rescue 3 International Swiftwater Rescue Technician II
- Rescue 3 International Swiftwater Rescue Technician I
- FSTEP River and Flood Water Rescue
- National Fire Academy Leadership I, II, & III
- CDF Basic Forest Firefighter
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