Dashawn Gilford

Daily checks apparatuses, while documenting and reporting any deficiencies to vehicle maintenance. Serve as an officer of a team of two personnel, in a support company on a Heavy Rescue Apparatus. Uses various computer skills and software to complete reports, emails, and presentations to include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint, Sharepoint, and Emergency Reporting. Schedules and coordinates annual apparatus pump, aerial, and ground ladder testings for NFPA compliancy. To improve proficiency within the department, I train personnel working towards an apparatus licenses, on proper driving techniques, maintenance procedures, and operating various equipment on apparatuses.

Conducted building inspections, fire drills, issued/pickup hot work permits, and issued space heater permits and checks, both in assisting and unsupervised. With monthly building inspections, I look for potential fire hazards, to eliminate and/or reduce hazards, to increase safety for building occupants and to minimize loss. Professionally, communicate with facility managers and occupants, to discuss findings and guidance toward making corrections. Able to reference codes and standards under the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in order to advise building officials on corrective actions needed to be taken for code violations.

• Operated as driver 80% of the time, with full responsibility of the apparatus and equipment when the permanent Engineer rides up as a Crew Chief
• As a firefighter driver, I conduct daily operations and equipment check without supervision or corrections and perform weekly checks on apparatuses which include raising the cab and back-flushing the pump
• I am fully licensed to operate majority of the vehicles in the fleet to include engines, brush trucks, tanker, and rescue, and utility vehicles
• Currently working on licensing for the aerial apparatus
• Responsibilities as a firefighter/engineer ride up include: driving apparatuses to and from emergencies, with strategic placement of the apparatus in most effective position without supervision or correction; operating all apparatus equipment to assist in mitigation of emergency; and ensuring all apparatus equipment are placed in appropriate compartments and in working condition.

• I held the position of being a Staff Sergeant (E-5) in the Air National Guard
• With this rank, I supervised a group between two to four Airmen
• I made sure they attend scheduled appointments, briefings, and training, ensuring they are readily available during a crisis
• I was responsible for their proficiency and completing proper paperwork for their upgrade training
• From the Fire Protection standpoint, I responded to medical emergencies as an Emergency Medical Responder assisting and performing Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques and functions such as CPR and operating the AED
• I worked to ensure a clean work station and to comply with all health, safety, and environmental rules as outlined in applicable safety standards and regulations.

• Assigned as a Fire Lieutenant that is responsible for training
• I played a big role with employee training by searching/scheduling classes and courses that are required for upgrade training
• Also, I conducted and assisted with evaluations in order for staff to receive certifications
• Once performance testing has been completed, I sent in performance packets to AFCEC to receive proper certification within the Department of Defense (DoD)
• Training reports and End of the Month reports are two reports I am responsible for
• During training revolutions, I am in charge of making sure training is conducted in a safe manner
• In the absence of the Captain, I act as Shift Supervisor
• Assuming the role of Shift Supervisor requires me to be responsible for the daily log, truck assignments, and other miscellaneous tasks/scheduling.
• Conducted building inspections and fire extinguisher checks to include portable A,B,C,D, and K Classed Extinguishers and Halon Extinguishers.

• As the role of a firefighter, I did the following tasks: operated tools/equipments and vehicles such as Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles, pumpers, tankers, rescue, and trailers; performed basic care and operational checks of vehicles; and responded on-site to accidents involving injuries following approved department protocols
• Additionally, I responded to fire alarms for all classes of fires and rescue people in danger
• I performed duties associated with Hazmat Ops and Technician by identifying or classifying unknown/hazardous materials by using monitoring equipment and the use of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• If contamination has taken place, I can select the appropriate decontamination procedures.