Robert Pooser
Retired Fire Captain
Charleston
Summary
In 1992, I was hired as a Probationary Firefighter EMT with the City of Goose Creek Fire Department. During that time, I gained certification and training in basic firefighting and emergency medical care. During my five year career there, I advanced to EMT-Paramedic and Assistant Engineer. I moved on to gain employment with the Charleston Fire Department. I began that career as a probationary firefighter and advanced through the ranks to Senior Fire Captain/Acting Battalion Chief. This tenure included serving as the Marine Division/MIRT Commander and the Driver Training Coordinator of the training division. I achieved a career of 27 years in the fire service and decided to retire after 27 years. Since gaining employment in the fire service at the age of 20 years old, I have enjoyed the brotherhood and the desire to further my education in Fire, Rescue and EMS. After retirement, I stumbled upon a position that involved emergency medical care, problem solving and leadership challenges at the Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community. I have been encouraged to seek new ways to continue that past experience. At this point , I am pursuing an opportunity to continue to learn and turn over the knowledge and experience that I gained over the years to the next generation of firefighter's. I believe that my training, credentials and experience will allow me to accomplish this drive to share with those who have sworn to give all, to help the community in which I have lived since birth, in it's times of need,
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Response Team Memeber
Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community
03.2024 - Current
Primary responsibilities include, emergency medical response for residents, guests, employees and vendors. Also responsible for security of campus, minor maintenance of infrastructure after hours and escorting emergency response agencies after 911 has been called.
Senior Fire Captain/Acting Battalion Chief
City of Charleston Fire Department
08.2016 - 06.2019
- Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
- Improved firefighter safety through consistent training sessions and adherence to established guidelines.
- Served as an acting Battalion Chief since 2011
- Served as the Incident Commander, Scene Safety Officer and division Supervisor during large and small emergency incidents
Fire Captain
Charleston Fire Department
05.2008 - 06.2019
- Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
- Improved firefighter safety through consistent training sessions and adherence to established guidelines.
- Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
Fire Department Driver Training Coordinator
City Of Charleston Fire Department
02.2015 - 08.2016
- Maintained training records for firefighters participating in driver/pump operator training
- approved and submitted Class E Driver's License requests to SCDMV for successful applicants
- Evaluation, logistical preparation, and final approval of Assistant Engineer trainees
- Development of policies and procedures of the training and use of newly acquired apparatus such as fire tender/tankers, brush trucks and tiller drawn aerial apparatus
- Instructed Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT 1210) for department recruit classes
- Assisted with current recruit training during SCFA classes and other training scenarios at the department drill complex
- Assisted with incumbent fire/rescue training, on and off site
Marine Division Commander/Senior Captain
Charleston Fire Department
02.2013 - 02.2015
- Served as the Senior Captain of Engine 3
- Oversight of deployment of the department fireboat on maritime responses while on duty
- Development of training and operational procedures of maritime fireboat emergency response
- Direct oversight of the training and deployment of the Charleston Fire Department Maritime Incident Response Team
- Coordination of CFD Marine Division operations, training and equipment maintenance
- Acquisition of new and replacement fireboat and maritime firefighting equipment
Fire Engineer
Charleston Fire Department
01.2001 - 05.2008
- Responsible for the safe operation of pumpers and aerial apparatus
- Maintenance and care of department apparatus and facilities
- Compiled incident reports and conducted post-incident analysis
- Served as Acting Captain in the absence of the shift Captain
Firefighter
Charleston Fire Department
12.1997 - 02.2001
Assistant Engineer
City of Charleston Fire Department
02.1999 - 01.2001
- Utilization of fire suppression equipment under the direct supervision of the company officer
- Responsible for the safe operation of pumpers and aerial apparatus in the absence of the assigned Engineer
- Maintenance of department property and apparatus
- Emergency medical care of sick and injured patients
Firefighter
Charleston Fire Department
12.1997 - 02.2000
- Utilization of fire suppression equipment under the direct supervision of supervisor
- Emergency medical care of sick and injured patients
- Maintenance and care of city property and apparatus
Firefighter/Paramedic
Goose Creek City Fire Department
05.1994 - 12.1997
- Utilization of fire suppression equipment under the direct supervision of supervisor
- Advanced emergency medical care of sick and injured patients
- Maintenance and care of city property and apparatus
Firefighter/EMT-Basic
Goose Creek City Fire Department
08.1992 - 05.1994
- Utilization of fire suppression equipment under the direct supervision of supervisor
- Emergency medical care of sick and injured patients
- Maintenance and care of city property and apparatus
Education
No Degree - Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
Low Country Regional EMS Council
North Charleston, SC 05.2001 -
No Degree - Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC 05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
St. John's High Scool
Johns Island, SC 05.2001 -
Accomplishments
- Iow's for Interior structural FF, EVDT, Pump Ops 1 and NFPA FF 1
- Blue Card Incident Commander Program
- City of Charleston Fire Department Officer Development Program 1 and 2
- South Carolina EMT-Basic and South Carolina EMT-Advanced (Paramedic)
- Attended the Virginia Fire Officer's Academy at the University of Richmond VA (2011)
- Served in the curriculum development group for the 2012 Virginia Fire Officer's Academy at the University of Richmond VA
- Attended "June School" at the Connecticut Fire Academy specializing in Basic and Advanced Elevator Rescue and Forcible Entry on the Fire Ground
- Successfully completed the Coast Guard Approved OUPV to Mate and Mate to Master Programs at Sea School
Timeline
Community Response Team Memeber
Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community
03.2024 - Current
Senior Fire Captain/Acting Battalion Chief
City of Charleston Fire Department
08.2016 - 06.2019
Fire Department Driver Training Coordinator
City Of Charleston Fire Department
02.2015 - 08.2016
Marine Division Commander/Senior Captain
Charleston Fire Department
02.2013 - 02.2015
Fire Captain
Charleston Fire Department
05.2008 - 06.2019
No Degree - Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
Low Country Regional EMS Council
05.2001 -
No Degree - Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
Trident Technical College
05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
St. John's High Scool
05.2001 -
Fire Engineer
Charleston Fire Department
01.2001 - 05.2008
Assistant Engineer
City of Charleston Fire Department
02.1999 - 01.2001
Firefighter
Charleston Fire Department
12.1997 - 02.2001
Firefighter
Charleston Fire Department
12.1997 - 02.2000
Firefighter/Paramedic
Goose Creek City Fire Department
05.1994 - 12.1997
Firefighter/EMT-Basic
Goose Creek City Fire Department
08.1992 - 05.1994