Todd Poisson
Montezuma
Summary
Strong leadership and management background with a self-motivated desire to continue training and education. Fully committed to the department and community. Professional with comprehensive knowledge in fire investigation, adept at analyzing fire scenes, determining origins and causes. Strong communicator with focus on thorough documentation and evidence preservation. Adept inspector that works with the community and business owners to achieve safe structures and business practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Investigator
Macon County Fire & Rescue
06.2024 - Current
- Conducted thorough investigations to determine causes of fires and assess damage.
- Collected and preserved evidence for court proceedings and insurance claims.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies during arson investigations.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting findings and recommendations for prevention.
- Implemented new investigation procedures improving accuracy of fire cause determinations.
- Analyzed fire patterns using specialized software to identify trends in incidents.
- Identified arson cases through meticulous examination of burn patterns, debris analysis, and witness accounts.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of local building codes to identify potential hazards during inspections effectively.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews with witnesses, property owners, and first responders for accurate case documentation.
- Strengthened professional networks by attending conferences and workshops focused on advancements in fire investigation methodologies.
- Determined fire causes by conducting thorough scene examinations and analyzing evidence.
- Increased accuracy in fire determination through continuing education in advanced forensic techniques and technologies.
- Collaborated with other experts such as chemists or engineers to analyze complex fire-related evidence, ensuring comprehensive investigation processes.
- Collaborated with engineers to assess building structures after fires, determining structural integrity for safe reentry.
- Prepared detailed reports on fire incidents, outlining investigation findings and potential safety recommendations.
Firefighter Lieutenant
Montezuma Fire & Emergency Services
06.2023 - Current
- Responded to emergency calls, deploying firefighting equipment and ensuring rapid response times.
- Conducted fire safety inspections, identifying hazards and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Participated in training exercises, enhancing skills in life-saving techniques and fire suppression methods.
- Collaborated with team members to execute rescue operations during hazardous situations effectively.
- Maintained firefighting apparatus and tools, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Educated community members on fire prevention measures through outreach programs and workshops.
- Assisted in incident command during emergencies, coordinating resources for effective crisis management.
- Mentored junior firefighters, fostering professional development and promoting adherence to safety protocols.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, 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, fostering a culture of 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.
- Contributed to positive outcomes during multi-agency responses by effectively collaborating with law enforcement personnel, paramedics, and other emergency service providers.
- Participated in post-incident analyses to identify areas for improvement in departmental policies and procedures.
- Enhanced overall departmental performance by attending professional development courses and conferences, sharing acquired knowledge with colleagues upon return.
- Strengthened interdepartmental relationships through participation in joint training exercises with neighboring fire departments.
- Provided compassionate support to victims of fires or accidents through emotional reassurance and practical assistance such as finding temporary housing or connecting them with support services.
- Assisted in development of emergency response plans for local businesses, strengthening community preparedness.
- Trained new recruits in fire suppression techniques, improving team efficiency and readiness.
- Assisted in securing grants for new fire safety equipment, improving department's operational capabilities.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through advanced firefighting and rescue training courses.
- Reduced property damage from fires with quick and strategic firefighting tactics.
- Coordinated with local schools to conduct fire drills, ensuring students and staff were prepared for real-life emergencies.
- Conducted thorough investigations of fire scenes to determine causes, contributing to prevention efforts.
- Operated hoses, pumps, ladders and other firefighting equipment.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
- Effectively supported fire suppression by setting up and maintaining water supply lines.
- Carried out fire inspections to identify fire hazards and recommend corrective measures.
- Contributed to fire investigation reports and provided testimony in court.
- Conducted detailed investigations, gathering essential evidence to support legal proceedings.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Assisted in budget planning and management, allocating resources strategically for optimal department performance.
Fire and Life Safety Inspector
Macon County Fire & Rescue
05.2023 - Current
- Conducted thorough safety inspections of fire equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with local regulations.
- Identified and reported safety hazards, contributing to improved workplace safety standards.
- Collaborated with emergency response teams to develop safety protocols and procedures for operations.
- Assisted in training staff on proper use of safety equipment and emergency response strategies.
- Evaluated incident reports and provided recommendations for safety improvements and risk mitigation.
- Monitored adherence to OSHA standards, ensuring a safe working environment for all personnel.
- Led safety audits, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions effectively.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by maintaining up-to-date knowledge in the field of occupational health and safety.
- Conducted regular audits of company facilities, ensuring adherence to established safety standards at all times.
- Developed emergency response plans tailored to each specific worksite''s unique needs and requirements.
- Investigated incidents and accidents, determining root causes to prevent future occurrences.
- Established strong relationships with regulatory agencies, facilitating open communication channels for sharing information and resolving concerns promptly.
- Conducted regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents and injuries.
Instructor
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
10.2019 - 12.2021
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Mentored junior instructors, fostering professional development and enhancing teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback to improve outcomes.
- Led curriculum design initiatives, aligning educational materials with industry standards and best practices.
- Implemented the U.S. Army new marksmanship initiative and trained more than 300 soldiers.
Doctrine Writer
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
06.2016 - 10.2019
- Developed training materials to enhance soldier readiness and operational effectiveness.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy of instructional content.
- Conducted thorough research to support curriculum development initiatives.
- Edited and revised technical documents for clarity and compliance with military standards.
- Led a team of 10 doctrine writers to change the U.S. Army marksmanship standard for qualification of individual weapons (pistol, rifle, automatic rifle, and sniper weapon systems). The document produced finished at 847 pages and is the current U.S. Army standard for Active Duty, Reserve component, and National Guard units affecting 1.3 million soldiers. This change was the first change to a U.S. Army standard for marksmanship since 1956.
Division Master Gunner
U.S. Army Active Duty
01.2015 - 06.2016
- Managed and resourced all training for 25,000 Soldiers at Fort Stewart, GA.
- Deconflicted resourcing requirements for training sites, ammunition requests, and all logistical considerations for the 3rd Infantry Division.
- Documented all training, analyzed, and identified training deficiencies to custom tailor training plans to individual units resulting in higher readiness rates.
Education
No Degree - Advanced EMT
South Georgia Technical College
Americus, GA12-2025
High School Diploma -
Thornton Academy
Saco, ME06-1995
Skills
- Scene safety assessment
- Emergency response coordination
- Public education programs
- Interagency collaboration
- Arson investigation
- Fire prevention inspections
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Self motivation
- Professionalism
Affiliations
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
Georgia Fire Investigators Association (GFIA)
Certification
- Fire Investigator Training - 6/2024 to 11/2025
- Fire Inspector Training - 9/2023
- Advanced EMT - 8/2025 to 12/2025
- Basic EMT 1/2023 to 5/2023
- Fire Service Plans Examiner - 1/22/2024 to 1/25/2024
- Fire Instructor I - 11/27/2023 to 12/01/2023
- Life Safety Code - 8/21/2023 to 8/23/2023
- Rescue Systems: Fundamentals of Heavy Rescue - 11/06/2023 to 11/11/2023
- Succession Development: Preparing candidates for Fire Chief - 11/1/2025 to 11/30/2025
Timeline
Fire Investigator
Macon County Fire & Rescue
06.2024 - Current
Firefighter Lieutenant
Montezuma Fire & Emergency Services
06.2023 - Current
Fire and Life Safety Inspector
Macon County Fire & Rescue
05.2023 - Current
Instructor
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
10.2019 - 12.2021
Doctrine Writer
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
06.2016 - 10.2019
Division Master Gunner
U.S. Army Active Duty
01.2015 - 06.2016
No Degree - Advanced EMT
South Georgia Technical College
High School Diploma -
Thornton Academy