ROBERT THOMAS GRAY
Spokane,WA
Summary
Current Firefighter/EMT, former Fire Science Instructor, and U.S. Army Senior Medic with 15+ years of experience leading emergency operations, training programs, and personnel. Proven supervisory history at the station level, wildland and structural environments, and military medical operations. Experienced in public relations, community engagement, and social media/PIO strategy. Calm command presence and mission-focused leadership style.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Firefighter / PIO Support
Spokane County Fire District 9
01.2023 - Current
- Fire suppression & EMS response for district averaging just shy of 8,000 calls/year.
- Lead of District PR Team and administrator for district social media.
- Grew online visibility to 6.4 million+ views in 2025 across platforms.
- Develops messaging for public safety info, recruitment, and community outreach.
- Conducts live incident coverage within policy, event promotion, and PIO coordination.
Fire Science Instructor
Spokane Community College
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Instructor for FF1/FF2, Hazmat Awareness/Ops, and suppression/EMS skill labs.
- Assist with curriculum development, student placement, and agency partnerships.
- Support technical rescue and Fire Equipment Operator instruction.
- Developed and implemented engaging science curricula aligned with educational standards.
- Coordinated with partner agencies to secure firefighting gear and equipment, ensuring students had all necessary materials for effective training
- Collaborated with an out-of-state agency to design a state-of-the-art training facility on campus.
Senior Firefighter/EMT
Vernon Fire/EMS
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Oversaw B-Shift station operations and supervised daily training.
- Managed EMS supply chain; $2,500+ biweekly purchasing accountability.
- Provided structural and EMS response, long-distance transfers (200+ miles).
- Supported Texas Forestry Service on major wildland incidents.
Volunteer Firefighter / Senior Firefighter
Southwest Bell County VFD
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Scene command support for EMS and structure responses.
- Conducted weekly suppression/medical training for volunteer personnel.
- Built two live-fire training burn buildings to advance readiness.
- Trained new recruits on equipment usage, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
Senior Line Medic (SPC)
U.S. Army
09.2009 - 07.2016
- Led medical operations for units up to 600+ personnel.
- Delivered care in deployed environments; supervised and evaluated and train medics assigned to our unit.
- 156 combat patrol missions (mounted/dismounted) – Iraq, Route Clearance Ops 2011.
- Instructed Combat Lifesaver & readiness training to soldiers and leadership over 50 classes taught and over 5,000 personal trained.
- Supported Operation New Dawn (Kuwait) with 24 hour work at the aid station and provided readiness operations in South Korea in 2014.
Education
No Degree - Advanced EMT
Central Texas College
Killeen, TXNo Degree - Fire Science
Spokane Community College
Spokane, WAHigh School Diploma -
Ellison HS
Killeen, TX06-2009
Skills
- Fireground Leadership & Incident Command
- Operational Readiness & Station Oversight
- Personnel Development / Training
- Public Information & PR Strategy
- Community Engagement & Social Media
- EMS Response / Trauma Care / Transfers
- Hazmat Ops / RTF / Wildland Interface
- Resource Management & Accountability
- Social Media Management / PIO Support
- Community Relations & Outreach
- Incident Documentation / Reports
- Calm, decisive leadership under pressure
Certification
- IFSAC Firefighter I & II
- IFSAC Hazmat A/O
- IFSAC Officer 1
- IFSAC Instructor
- Pro-Board Hazmat A/O
- Wildland FF2
- NREMT EMT
- BLS Provider
- Alerrt Instructor
- CPR Instructor
- NIMS 100,200,700
- Fire Investigator (D9)
Timeline
Firefighter / PIO Support
Spokane County Fire District 9
01.2023 - Current
Fire Science Instructor
Spokane Community College
01.2021 - 01.2024
Senior Firefighter/EMT
Vernon Fire/EMS
01.2017 - 01.2019
Senior Line Medic (SPC)
U.S. Army
09.2009 - 07.2016
Volunteer Firefighter / Senior Firefighter
Southwest Bell County VFD
01.2009 - 01.2017
No Degree - Advanced EMT
Central Texas College
No Degree - Fire Science
Spokane Community College
High School Diploma -
Ellison HS