CHARLES SOPKO

**** ******** *****, *** ******, IL. 60452 C: 708-***-**** acx9t7@r.postjobfree.com

Fire Chief offering 25 years in public safety. Responsible for implementing new safety measures and equipment modernization that decreased firefighter injuries. Well versed in all areas of management including inspections, workers compensation claims, budgeting, labor negotiations, program planning, purchasing, project management and staff training and development. Experienced in working with state and federal regulatory agencies. Excellent leadership skills

Community relations

Strategic thinker

Program evaluation

Approachable

Sound judgement

Strong interpersonal skills

Process improvement techniques

Sustainable development

Crisis and emergency communications

Labor relations and negotiations

Decision-making ability

Assistant Fire Chief, 12/2007 to 01/2017

Oak Forest Fire Department – 5620 James Drive, Oak Forest, IL. Collaborated with Fire Chief on annual budget and submitted it to city council for review and approval. Directed emergency response operations for 20 south suburban fire departments. Conducted life safety inspections, investigated violations and developed corrective action plans that ensured safety procedures are being followed.

Responded to citizens complaints and requests for information and services. Cultivated close working relationships with other municipalities and governmental agencies to achieve safe responses for multiple alarm events.

Directed department's response to natural disasters, environmental accidents, hazardous material spills and other catastrophic incidents.

Prepared and recommended long-range plans for the development of department. Department representative for City's Safety Committee. Managed annual S.C.B.A. fit testing and personal protective equipment inspection for department. Lieutenant / Paramedic, 05/2003 to 12/2007

Oak Forest Fire Department – 5620 James Drive, Oak Forest, IL. Supervised and trained new staff members.

Served as a city representative at neighborhood meetings and workshops. Responded to all inquiries from the general public in a prompt and professional manner. Prepared written and electronic reports for medical responses and firefighting operations. Acted as a positive role model for department personnel and community. Served as Public Education Coordinator.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

SKILLS

WORK HISTORY

Firefighter / Paramedic, 04/1991 to 05/2003

Oak Forest Fire Department – 5620 James Drive, Oak Forest, IL. Responded to dispatched emergency assignments quickly and safely. Initiated and provided pre-hospital care and fire suppression to residents and visitors of community. Responsible for maintaining facilities and equipment for emergency response. Strictly protected the confidentiality of all information related to patient care activities and E.M.S. operations. Reviewed and identified areas for organizational improvement. Physical Education Teacher, 08/1991 to 06/1994

School District #142 – 14950 Laramie Avenue, Oak Forest, IL. Consistently received positive teacher evaluations from administration and students. Instructed more than 300 middle school students through lectures, discussions, group activities and demonstrations.

Exhibited sound judgment while executing coaching responsibilities and functions. Maintained thorough knowledge of all rules, game procedures, coaching techniques and current trends in multiple sports.

Demonstrated a high level of respect for opponents, officials and facilities. Master of Arts: Public Administration, 2007

Governors State University - University Park, IL.

Bachelor of Science: Education,

Illinois State University - Normal, IL.

Elected Official Oak Forest Park District Commissioner 2003-2015. Recipient of International Fire Chiefs Award of Excellence. M.A.B.A.S. 24 Fire Academy Instructor of the Year. Oak Forest Fire Department Medal of Valor recipient. Authored children's emergency preparedness program. Designed City of Oak Forest September 11th Memorial. M.A.B.A.S. 24 Box Alarm Adviser.

Modified and implemented M.A.B.A.S. 24 Safety Adviser Program. Paramedic

Blue Card

Unified Command

CPR

Fire Officer I, II, III

Fire Apparatus Engineer

Public Information and Education Officer

Fire Department Health and Safety Officer

Hazardous Material Operations

Technical Rescue Awareness

EDUCATION

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CERTIFICATIONS

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