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THOMAS GRAGG
Hudson,NC
Courage is not the lack of fear; it is acting in spite of it.
Mark Twain
Summary
Diligent customer service with comprehensive background as Fire Captain leading emergency response teams. Proven ability to manage high-pressure situations and coordinate effectively during critical incidents. Demonstrated skills in leadership and strategic planning to enhance operational efficiency.
Experienced with emergency response and crisis management, delivering effective leadership in high-pressure situations. Utilizes strategic planning and team coordination to manage complex operations. Knowledge of fire safety protocols and risk assessment for enhanced community protection.
Professional firefighter with strong leadership abilities, adept at managing emergency situations and ensuring safety. Proven track record in team collaboration, effective communication, and strategic decision-making. Skilled in fire suppression, rescue operations, and training personnel to meet high standards. Dependable and adaptable under pressure, focused on achieving optimal results.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in customer sales/service and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
38
years of professional experience
8
Certification
Work History
Sawmills Fire/Rescue
Fire Captain
04.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Initiated wellness program for firefighters, contributing to improved morale and reduced instances of job-related stress injuries.
- Enhanced team efficiency by developing and implementing dynamic training programs tailored to unique needs of fire department.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Improved firefighter safety through consistent training sessions and adherence to established guidelines.
- Conducted thorough post-incident analysis, identifying areas for improvement in both tactics and equipment usage.
- Crafted and executed fire suppression strategies that minimized damage to property and environment.
- Mentored new firefighters in developing essential skills and understanding departmental expectations for performance excellence.
- Made daily inspections of facilities and equipment.
- Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
- Streamlined communication processes with local law enforcement and emergency medical services, enhancing collaborative efforts during crisis situations.
- Led a team of firefighters in extinguishing hazardous material fires, minimizing environmental impact and potential harm to nearby residents.
- Oversaw maintenance and operational readiness of firefighting equipment, ensuring peak performance during emergency responses.
- Promoted fire safety awareness within the community by organizing and participating in public outreach events, such as open houses and safety presentations.
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance of buildings, rooms and equipment.
- Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
- Delivered timely incident reports to senior leadership, providing accurate data for budgetary decisions and policy development purposes.
- Managed administrative duties, including budgeting and personnel management, ensuring department operated within fiscal and regulatory guidelines.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Inspected stations, uniforms and vehicles regularly for signs of maintenance needs or general professionalism.
- Assigned firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
- Checked fire suppression equipment regularly and oversaw upkeep.
Johnson Controls Fire Protection
Route Service Sales Representative
08.1997 - 10.2024
Job overview
- Identify potential hazards related to fire safety during regular site visits, recommending corrective action as necessary.
- Document violations of established policies or codes observed during inspections.
- Evaluate existing structures for adherence to applicable building codes related to fire safety measures.
- Provide technical advice to clients regarding best practices in fire prevention methods.
- Attend seminars conducted by organizations dedicated to promoting public awareness about the importance of adhering to appropriate protocols in regards to fire safety.
- Inspect various types of buildings such as schools, hospitals, and manufacturing plants, verifying compliance with relevant regulations.
- Advise property owners on necessary modifications required to meet state and federal guidelines concerning fire safety regulations.
- Perform detailed inspections of fire safety systems, including alarms and sprinklers, to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations.
- Conduct training sessions for staff members on proper fire safety procedures and protocol.
- Maintain accurate records of all inspected properties, ensuring that all data was up-to-date and properly documented.
- Inspect and test fire protection and fire detection systems to verify that such systems were installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
- Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
- Inspect properties that store, handled and used hazardous materials for compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issued hazardous materials permits to facilities found in compliance.
- Arrange for replacement of defective fire fighting equipment and for repair of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, making minor repairs such as servicing fire extinguishers when feasible.
- Trained new route service representatives on company procedures, product knowledge, and best practices for excellent customer service.
- Effectively managed high call volumes during peak hours, prioritizing urgent requests and maintaining a professional demeanor throughout interactions.
- Identified potential new customers within assigned territory through market research and cold calling techniques.
- Assisted in the development of more efficient routing plans, reducing fuel costs and travel time between stops.
- Developed strong client relationships, resulting in repeat business and long-term partnerships.
- Conducted regular vehicle maintenance checks to ensure safety and reliability during service routes.
- Facilitated clear communication between customers and company management to resolve any issues or concerns quickly.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure timely restocking of products and minimize shortages.
- Utilized strong negotiation skills to secure favorable pricing agreements with vendors, resulting in increased profit margins for the organization.
- Continuously updated product knowledge through ongoing training sessions, enabling informed conversations with clients about features and benefits of offerings.
- Participated in regular meetings with supervisors to discuss performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans for success.
- Adhered to all safety regulations while operating company vehicles to ensure a safe working environment for both employees and clients.
- Delivered top customer satisfaction, reviewing feedback closely, and addressing needs and requests of account holders.
- Immediately addressed problems with customers to promote speedy resolution.
- Identified customers' needs and provided information on appropriate products in effort to promote cross-selling.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of products and services to address customer inquiries
- Maintained positive relationships with customers using good communication and follow-through abilities.
- Collaborated with customers to identify needs and provided catered solutions
- Boosted revenues by upselling and cross-selling products to new and established customers.
- Delivered orders to customers to drive full satisfaction.
- Completed daily pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections.
- Maintained positive relationships with customers to promote continued business opportunities.
Sawmills Fire/Rescue
Fire Apparatus Engineer
02.2023 - 04.2024
Job overview
- Driver/Operator of Emergency Apparatus
- Perform basic maintenance of apparatus
- Keep coworkers informed of certain situations pertaining to apparatus/station
- Perform basic duties around the station (ie: cleaning, general maintenance, upkeep, etc)
- Respond to emergency situations (fires, MVA's, medical assistance, service calls, etc)
- Assisted in rescue operations by skillfully operating aerial devices on fire apparatus.
- Collaborated with firefighters to effectively position hoses and equipment for optimal firefighting efforts.
- Reduced property damage through strategic placement of fire apparatus during incidents.
- Bolstered incident scene safety through proficient deployment of ground ladders, ventilation fans, lighting systems, and other support equipment from fire apparatus.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department through adherence to standard operating procedures and guidelines for fire apparatus operation.
- Contributed to successful firefighting strategies by effectively communicating with incident commanders and crew members during emergencies.
- Advanced professional development by attending training sessions, workshops, and conferences related to Fire Apparatus Engineering best practices.
- Aided in wildfire containment efforts through effective use of specialized wildland fire apparatus, including brush trucks and water tenders.
- Supported firefighting operations with timely water supply management and pump operation.
- Enhanced firefighter safety by conducting thorough equipment inspections and maintenance on fire apparatus.
Hickory Fire Department
Fire Apparatus Engineer
11.1992 - 01.2023
Job overview
- Provided instruction on safety measures to reduce the risk of injury or property damage due to fires or other emergencies.
- Utilized sound judgment when making decisions regarding the deployment of resources in emergency situations.
- Demonstrated proficiency in operating various types of vehicles used by firefighters including engines, ladders and rescue vehicles.
- Utilized effective communication techniques when interacting with victims, witnesses or other personnel at the scene of an incident.
- Demonstrated expertise in using firefighting tools and equipment such as ladders, hoses, pumps, nozzles, axes, saws and extinguishers.
- Performed regular inspections of fire apparatus and related equipment to ensure proper operation and readiness for use.
- Developed detailed reports documenting incidents involving fires or other emergencies.
- Maintained current certifications in areas such as First Aid and CPR, Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter I and II, Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Fire Service Instructor and Fire Inspector.
- Displayed strong leadership skills while managing emergency scenes efficiently.
- Developed advanced knowledge of hazardous materials response procedures and protocols.
- Applied extensive knowledge of building construction principles in order to identify potential fire hazards during inspections or operations.
- Responded to fire alarms and other emergency situations or calls for service.
- Participated in drills and training on techniques, operations and use of equipment.
- Performed fire control and suppression activities to reduce hazards.
- Inspected and maintained self-contained breathing apparatus and hazardous material detection devices.
- Maintained, tested, and repaired firefighting equipment.
- Operated and maintained pressure and pump type extinguishers to control and extinguish fires.
- Controlled hazardous substances with specialized protective clothing and specified control equipment to stop release.
- Reported on building inspections to address fire hazards and code violations.
- Maintained fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus.
- Administered first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons and provided emergency medical care such as basic and advanced life support.
- Participated in physical training activities to maintain high level of physical fitness.
- Responded to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile, and industrial accidents.
- Collaborated with other firefighters as member of firefighting crew.
- Drove and operated fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
- Donned equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
- Maintained knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.
- Trained new employees to control and suppress fires.
- Attached hose nozzles, depending on fire type and direct streams of water and chemicals onto fires.
- Created openings in buildings for ventilation and entrance, used axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, and core cutters.
- Positioned and climbed ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
- Inspected buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing, and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary.
Industrial Glass Products
Machine Operator
06.1987 - 11.1992
Job overview
- Operated production machinery in a safe and efficient manner, while adhering to all safety protocols.
- Followed detailed instructions from work orders to complete assigned tasks correctly.
- Cleaned equipment and work area before, during, and after shift to promote sanitation.
Education
Central Piedmont Community CollegeCharlotte, NC
from Fire Science
South Caldwell High School Hudson, NC
High School Diploma
Skills
- Equipment Maintenance
- Fire prevention expertise
- Hazardous Materials
- Emergency vehicle operation
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Fire pump operation
- Emergency Response
- Fire Behavior Understanding
- Fire Suppression Systems
- Building Construction Knowledge
- Hydraulic Rescue Tools
- Vehicle Extrication Techniques
- Aerial Ladder Operation
- Fire Apparatus Inspection
- Incident Command System
- Pre-Incident Planning
- Firefighter Fitness
- Wildland Firefighting
- Firefighting Tactics
- Fire Scene Safety
- Emergency Medical Services
- Fire Service Leadership
- Code Compliance
- Building inspection
- Extinguisher Operation and Maintenance
- Time management abilities
- Problem-Solving
- Professional Demeanor
- Inspections
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to Detail
- Aircraft Rescue Firefighting
- Emergency response procedures
- Incident command
- Emergency management
- Fire prevention
- Fire suppression
- Personnel management
- Public education
- Staff performance evaluation
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Active listening
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Data entry
- Computer proficiency
- Team collaboration
- Customer relations
- Time management
- Complaint handling
- Critical thinking
- Customer satisfaction measurement
- Relationship building
- Scheduling
- Decision-making
- Task prioritization
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Product knowledge
- Documentation
- Team development
- Administrative support
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Assertiveness
- Order processing
- Product sales
- Customer education
- Paperwork processing
- Appointment scheduling
- Service upselling
- Office equipment proficiency
- Staff education and training
- Staff training
- Consultative sales
- Prioritization
Accomplishments
* Fire Officer
* Firefighter
* Fire Apparatus Engineer
* Fire Inspector
* Fire Instructor
* Airport Rescue Firefighter
* Rescue Technician
* Emergency Medical Technician
* Hazardous Materials Technician
* Customer service oriented
* Strong sales representative
* Effective leadership skills
* Dedicated employee
Certification
- Fire Service Instructor
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Technical Rescue
- NC State Fire Inspector
- Live Burn Instructor
- Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF)
- Fire Officer
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs
- International Association of Firefighters
- North Carolina Society of Fire Service Instructors
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursWork from home optionSoftware
Languages
English
Full Professional
Interests
Shooting sports
Hunting
Fishing
Gardening
Traveling
Christianity
Sports
Timeline
Fire Captain
Sawmills Fire/Rescue
04.2024 - Current
Fire Apparatus Engineer
Sawmills Fire/Rescue
02.2023 - 04.2024
Route Service Sales Representative
Johnson Controls Fire Protection
08.1997 - 10.2024
Fire Apparatus Engineer
Hickory Fire Department
11.1992 - 01.2023
Machine Operator
Industrial Glass Products
06.1987 - 11.1992
Central Piedmont Community College
from Fire Science
South Caldwell High School
High School Diploma
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