Joseph B. Harrell
Mount Airy,NC
Summary
Dedicated firefighter with the Mount Airy Fire Department, bringing 23 years of progressive experience and an unwavering commitment to serving the community. A decisive and analytical professional known for integrity, keen observational skills, and in-depth fire service expertise. Proven leader with the knowledge and dedication to safeguard the lives of citizens and visitors while fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and excellence.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Lieutenant
Mount Airy Fire Department
05.2012 - Current
- Write and oversee budgets for general operations of the department
- Established effective communication channels between command staff and frontline responders during high-pressure incidents, ensuring clear directives and information sharing.
- Streamlined equipment maintenance processes, ensuring optimal performance during critical situations.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Prepared reports of fires, equipment and personnel.
- Increased firefighter safety by enforcing strict adherence to department policies and procedures during emergency operations.
- Mentored new firefighters, fostering a positive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
Hazardous Materials Technician, Captain
Surry County Emergency Services
07.2007 - Current
- Oversee scene operations to mitigate hazard
- Work with multiple agencies
- Enhanced emergency response capabilities with comprehensive training on dealing with hazardous materials
- Supported incident investigations involving hazardous materials releases to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Played a crucial role in reducing environmental impact through the identification and implementation of waste minimization strategies.
- Provided ongoing technical support to other personnel regarding proper handling, labeling, and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on current industry trends, regulatory changes, and advancements in hazardous materials handling technology to provide informed guidance to colleagues and management.
Funeral Home Assistant
Moody's Funeral Home
12.2013 - Current
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective communication and teamwork with colleagues.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive support during funeral arrangements.
- Prepared spaces for visitations and memorial services by setting up chairs, floral displays, and multimedia equipment as needed.
- Collaborated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of products such as caskets, flowers, and memorial items for services.
- Maintained a clean and organized facility, creating a comfortable environment for grieving families and guests.
- Demonstrated empathy and understanding while interacting with bereaved individuals during difficult times.
Firefighter
Mount Airy Fire Department
11.2002 - 05.2009
- Mitigate risk and promote safety through education
- Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
- Assist with budgets involving equipment for suppression
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Protection Technology
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury, NC01.2021
Firefighter Certification program -
North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshall
Raleigh, NC01.2007
Skills
- Medical equipment usage
- Leadership and supervision
- Community relations
- Emergency medical treatment
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- Radio communication proficiency
- Fire suppression techniques
- Fire prevention
- Hazardous materials handling
- Cultural sensitivity
- Community education
- Incident command system
- Critical incident stress management
- Report preparation
- Budget management
Certification
- North Carolina Firefighter II Certification
- North Carolina Rescue Technician
- North Carolina Water Rescue
- North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician
- North Carolina Hazardous Materials Technician
- North Carolina Fire Officer I Certification
- North Carolina Fire Officer II Certification
- North Carolina Fire Prevention Inspector Level II Certification
- North Carolina Fire Instructor Level I Certification
- North Carolina Emergency Management All Hazards Facilities Unit Leader
- FEMA: IS- 100, 100.b, 200.b, 240.a, 242.a, 300, 400, 700.a, 701.a, 702.a, 703.a, 704, 706, and 800.b
Accomplishments
- Received Life-Save Awards
- Received Firefighter of the Year 2003, 2012, 2016
- 20 years of service
Timeline
Funeral Home Assistant
Moody's Funeral Home
12.2013 - Current
Fire Lieutenant
Mount Airy Fire Department
05.2012 - Current
Hazardous Materials Technician, Captain
Surry County Emergency Services
07.2007 - Current
Firefighter
Mount Airy Fire Department
11.2002 - 05.2009
- North Carolina Firefighter II Certification
- North Carolina Rescue Technician
- North Carolina Water Rescue
- North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician
- North Carolina Hazardous Materials Technician
- North Carolina Fire Officer I Certification
- North Carolina Fire Officer II Certification
- North Carolina Fire Prevention Inspector Level II Certification
- North Carolina Fire Instructor Level I Certification
- North Carolina Emergency Management All Hazards Facilities Unit Leader
- FEMA: IS- 100, 100.b, 200.b, 240.a, 242.a, 300, 400, 700.a, 701.a, 702.a, 703.a, 704, 706, and 800.b
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Protection Technology
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Firefighter Certification program -
North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshall
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