Richard Lyons
Seal Beach,CA
Summary
Retired Fire Engineer, 30 years on the job with extensive experience at San Bernardino County Fire Department. Excelled in emergency response professional leadership. Proven expertise in training and mentoring teams and enhancing operational efficiency. Skilled in advanced firefighting systems and emergency medical treatment, ensuring safety and effective problem-solving in high-pressure situations. EMT/CPR certified and committed to public safety within a Executive Secure atmosphere. Focus on high strategic planning connected to the protection of high-profile individuals from outside threats and day to day normal risk operation mitigation.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Fire Engineer
San Bernardino County Fire Department
San Bernardino, CA
10.2008 - 12.2024
- Operated and maintained fire apparatus, ensuring optimal performance during emergency response.
- Conducted routine inspections and repairs of firefighting equipment to uphold safety standards.
- Collaborated with crew members to develop efficient workflows for equipment readiness and deployment.
- Mentored Firefighters on proper maintenance techniques and safety protocols related to fire apparatus.
- Led training sessions on advanced firefighting technologies and apparatus operation.
- Performed practice drills.
- Supported firefighting operations with water supply management and pump operation.
- Strategic placement of fire apparatus during incidents.
- Assisted in rescue operations by skillfully operating aerial devices on fire apparatus.
- Expedited patient care by assisting Paramedics and EMTs with medical equipment setup at scenes.
- Used sophisticated firefighting, EMS and rescue equipment.
- Enhanced firefighter safety by conducting thorough equipment inspections and maintenance on fire apparatus.
- Increased crew efficiency by training firefighters with Fire Apparatus Engineer operation and maintenance of fire apparatus.
- Responded to fire alarms and extinguished fires.
- Aided in wildfire containment efforts throughout the State of California and within the County of San Bernardino. Effective use of specialized wildland fire apparatus, including Type 3(Wildland Fire Apparatus)and water tenders.
- Performed under the direction of the station Captain.
- Responded the crew safely to and from all types of fires, Traffic Accidents, Medical Aids, Hazardous Material Incidents, Technical Rescue Operations and Swift Water Rescue Operations.
- Performed as the 2nd highest medical authority on the crew.
- SBCoFD USAR Regional Task Force 6 Team Member.
- SBCoFD City of Fontana, Ca Fire Explorer Advisor.
- SBCoFD CARE Team Member (PEER Support Team).
- SBCoFD Internal Background Investigator.
- 2nd in Command within the crew.
- Perform Fire Captain Duties in the absence of our crew Captain.
Firefighter
San Bernardino County Fire Department
San Bernardino, CA
07.2008 - 10.2008
- Responded to emergency calls, ensuring rapid and effective firefighting operations.
- Maintained equipment readiness through regular inspections and servicing, reducing downtime during emergencies.
- Mentored firefighters, promoting skill development and adherence to best practices in fire service.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and assisting Paramedics as needed.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Collaborated with Captains, Engineer's and firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Drove and operated Type 1 Apparatus(Structural Pumpers) Rescue Squads, Water Tenders, Aerial Apparatus and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, while utilizing teamwork and professionalism within the department.
- Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
- Utilized technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.
- Initiated leadership with outside medical transport agencies as well as our internal SBCoFD EMS Division ambualces and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assisted in wildfire suppression efforts by coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to establish containment lines and protect threatened structures.
- Conducted search and rescue operations during natural disasters, locating trapped individuals and providing assistance as needed.
- Monitored and responded to hazardous gas levels and smoke detectors to avoid injuries and fatalities.
- Enhanced team communication and efficiency during emergency responses with introduction of new radio protocols.
- Implemented fitness program for fire station, boosting physical readiness and team morale.
- SBCoFD USAR Regional Task Force 6 Team Member.
- SBCoFD City of Fontana, Ca Fire Explorer Advisor.
- SBCoFD ARFF Team Member.
- Promoted to Fire Engineer October 2008.
Firefighter
City of Victorville Fire Department
Victorville, CA
04.2005 - 07.2008
- Under the direction of the Fire Station Captain
- Performed and successfully passed Firefighter Probation.
- Responded to emergency calls, ensuring rapid and effective fire suppression and rescue operations.
- Supported fellow firefighters during high-pressure situations by maintaining clear communication channels and offering necessary guidance when needed.
- Provided life-saving medical assistance by administering CPR while working with other EMT's and paramedics on scene.
- Engaged in physical fitness activities regularly to maintain peak performance levels required for emergency response situations.
- Performed duties as a ARFF(Aircraft Rescue FireFighter)
- Performed duties assigned to Wildland firefighting, Structural firefighting, Vehicle fires, Medical Aids, Traffic Collisions, Technical Rescue Incidents, Hazardous Material Incidents, as well as many other rescue incidents within the makeup of public safety.
- Initiated crew training on various subjects, such as EMS, Firefighting, Auto Extrication, Etc.
- Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Assisted with regular maintenance of firefighting equipment.
- 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.
- July, 2008 the San Bernardino County Fire Department absorbed the CIty of Victorville Fire Department
Firefighter
Fort Irwin Fire Department
Fort Irwin, CA
02.2002 - 04.2005
- Entered my first year as a fulltime Professional Firefighter.
- My first experience as a Probationary Firefighter.
- Under the direction of the Fire Station Captain.
- Conducted thorough inspections of fire safety equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Maintained operational readiness by conducting daily checks on firefighting equipment, ensuring all gear was in proper working order.
- Utilized my EMS EMT skills as a Firefighter.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Operated on one of the largest Army bases in the United States.
- 2004 Awarded Firefighter of the Year.
Paid-Call Firefighter
San Bernardino County Fire Department
San Bernardino, CA & Victorville, Ca
03.1996 - 02.2002
- Responded to emergency calls and provided immediate firefighting support during critical incidents.
- Responded from home to the Fire Station, then off to the emergency.
- All members carried pagers at the time.
- Most members worked a full time job(Unrelated to the Fire Service).
- This Firefighter position was called "Paid-Call Firefighter" due to the fact as we would get paid per call/incident we went to.
- This was the way you got experience to become a full time Firefighter.
- Attended weekly & monthly training.
Education
No Degree - Fire Science
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CANo Degree - Fire Science
Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa, CAHigh School Diploma -
Hesperia High School
Hesperia, CA06-1988
Skills
- Customer Service Oriented
- Professional Attitude
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Leadership skills
- Basic life support
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Active listening
- Emergency medical treatment
- Relationship building
- Team building
- Public safety
- CPR certified
- De-escalation techniques
Timeline
Fire Engineer
San Bernardino County Fire Department
10.2008 - 12.2024
Firefighter
San Bernardino County Fire Department
07.2008 - 10.2008
Firefighter
City of Victorville Fire Department
04.2005 - 07.2008
Firefighter
Fort Irwin Fire Department
02.2002 - 04.2005
Paid-Call Firefighter
San Bernardino County Fire Department
03.1996 - 02.2002
No Degree - Fire Science
Victor Valley College
No Degree - Fire Science
Crafton Hills College
High School Diploma -
Hesperia High School