Emergency Response, Emergency Management

Ralph Johnson

El Paso, United States ***** 915-***-**** *************@*******.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Forward-thinking team leader skilled at operating departments efficiently to meet goals. Successful background matching employees with roles for maximum performance. Proactive and hardworking individual focused on continuous operational improvement.

Experienced Fire Chief offering extensive list of successes building and leading talented teams in training, drills and high-danger emergency events. Highly committed to safety and continuous provision of quality emergency response. Equipped with strong background overseeing group efforts across diverse facilities ranging in size and complexity.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.

Supervised team of 12 staff members while developing new response procedures for refinery at start of contract emergency response program.

Documented and resolved lack of inventory of emergency response equipment which led to complete understanding of our status and weaknesses we needed to correct.

Collaborated with team of 15 in the development of UASI working group which was developed in order to manage Homeland Security Grant Programs/funding.

SKILLS

Strategic Problem Resolution

MS office

Operations management

KPI tracking

Decision-making

Employee motivation

Operations oversight

Client relationships

Team leadership

Staff management

Performance evaluations

Planning and implementation

Management

Organizational management

Project leadership

Employee relations and conflict resolution

Staff training

Delegation

Conflict mediation

Interpersonal communication

Staff development

Contract management

Workforce management

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Health and safety compliance

WORK HISTORY

OPERATIONS MANAGER 04/2023 to CURRENT

ICON Custom Homes El Paso, United States

I was hired due to my management capabilities and to oversee the field operations, accounting department, warranty department and closing department

I have to ensure deadlines are kept from the time the home is released to the field for construction until the home closes with the home buyer

I interface with several building inspection departments throughout the county and into New Mexico; each city having their own set of codes enforcement departments with varying requirements

Act as liaison between the company itself and buyers and perspective buyers

When there is conflict between any of the departments I oversee, I intervene and manage the issue at hand, always with the client in mind

Quality is of extreme importance to ICON and to ensure it never diminishes, I also oversee our quality control and customer care advocate positions

Again, I was not hired to build homes but rather handle the management portion of the build process and the persons within those departments

Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.

Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.

Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.

Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.

Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.

FIRE CHIEF 12/2021 to 04/2023

HF Sinclair Artesia, United States

I was hired to perform the duties of Fire Chief for the Navajo Refining operations in Artesia, NM as well as Lovington, NM

Two facilities 60 miles apart with a throughput of roughly 125,000 bpd

I oversaw all emergency response activities to include training, response, equipment and personnel that were involved

I also oversaw security as part of my daily duties

Responded to numerous medical emergencies, HazMat operations, spill and pressure fires and numerous stand bys when hazardous operations were being undertaken

Responsible for the upkeep of the emergency response plan for the facility as well as all interactions with two LEPC's (each facility was in a different county) and all local responders, both paid and volunteer

Interfaced with and developed response plans with local hospital due to the fact the facility in Artesia utilized Hydrofluoric Acid in the refining process and medical response and capabilities were limited in such a small community

Conducted area training with them and mock incidents

I was tasked with being Incident Commander on all real emergencies as well as all training evolutions undertaken

Responsible for attending all fire schools held at TEEX when our personnel attended

I ensured and conducted all after action reports for any and all incidents

I worked with refinery leadership to develop and implement an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and procedures for it's activation and operation

Trained those who would have a role in the EOC to insure they were familiar, and comfortable, with their roles and responsibilities

Direct supervisor was Greg Pinto at facility, and it is OK to contact

Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.

Managed department budget effectively, prioritizing essential equipment purchases and maintenance without compromising safety standards.

Improved emergency response times by implementing new dispatch procedures and optimizing resource allocation.

CONTRACT COORDINATOR-CHIEF OF FIRE 02/2014 to 08/2021

Rural Metro (Kurtz) Industrial Fire Services El Paso, United States

I was hired to oversee the new operation that Kurtz Industrial Fire Services had just been contracted for with Western Refining

Western Refining contracted Kurtz to bring in a 24-hour emergency services program to the refinery to provide Fire, EMS, Haz Mat and special rescue services, etc

The Project is new and I had to, with guidance from Western Refining, set up the program to include 3 separate 24 hour shifts with competent and certified personnel to handle all emergency and non-emergency duties to include: all emergency responses, training of personnel in emergency responses, development of emergency plans, assist with the Emergency Operations Center of Western Refining and work as the Liaison between Western and Kurtz

Developed and provided training to the Emergency Response Team members on a weekly basis

The program continues to grow and the challenges continue as well

Supervisor: Matt Hiett 915-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Trained junior staff members on best practices in contract management, increasing department efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop project-specific agreements that met business objectives while minimizing risk exposure.

Managed a portfolio of contracts, ensuring timely renewals, extensions, or terminations as needed.

Conducted comprehensive contract reviews to identify potential areas of risk and recommend mitigation strategies.

Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by maintaining accurate records and staying current on industry changes.

Monitored vendor performance against contract terms to ensure satisfactory delivery of goods or services.

CHIEF OF FIRE SAFETY AND OPERATIONS 07/2011 to 02/2014

Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Indian Reservation El Paso, United States

I was hired by the Tribe to begin the process of developing a fire department for the reservation as well as develop a fire prevention program as well

I was successful in gaining an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the tribe and this was the first step in gaining funding for training and providing personal protective equipment for the new volunteers we were to develop

Worked closely with the City of El Paso Fire Department to gain a used Fire Truck as that would be our first and primary emergency response vehicle for the pueblo

Worked closely with federal partners as well to gain other used equipment to try and avoid costing the pueblo too much of their financial resources to fund the department

Worked closely with the Tribal Police Department and the Tribal Office of Emergency Management on all emergency planning and the institution of NIMS and operating under the Incident Command System for all emergency incidents as well as planned events

Was successful in getting a fire station (modular in nature) donated to the pueblo and delivered and set up

I was in charge of the 'Communications' committee we developed to oversee the 1.5 million dollar communication system we were successful in obtaining through homeland security grant opportunities and saw the project from identifying vendors to the implementation and operation of the system itself

Supervisor: Chief Candelaria 915-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

FIRE DEPUTY CHIEF-EMERGENCY MGMT. COORDINATOR 01/2009 to 06/2011

City of El Paso Fire Department El Paso, United States

During this time as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City and the County of El Paso, Texas I have overseen the Emergency Operations Plan for our community (which includes 4 smaller cities within the County of El Paso as well)

I oversee the preparedness and planning efforts in our community

Work very closely with all first responder agencies, paid and volunteer, to ensure our response to emergencies and disasters is efficient, safe and effective

Coordinate recovery efforts to disasters with affected members of the community

Assist public works departments in their mitigation efforts to prevent future issues due to natural events such as flooding, wind, ice storms, etc

Interface with volunteer organizations as well as the private sector to partner with for those times their assistance and expertise shall be needed

Interface with elected officials to insure they understand their roles during times of emergency as well

Our office has it's own budget which is augmented by three funding streams; EMPG, City of El Paso funds and County of El Paso funds; I was tasked with the oversight of the budget on an annual basis as well

I was also the designated POC for all Homeland Security Grant Programs (HSGP) the City of El Paso is involved in to include MMRS, UASI and SHSP

I oversee the budgets of all HSGP and insure procurement policies are followed, State Administrative Agency rules and timelines are met, reports are generated and forwarded as prescribed by grant guidance, etc

And finally, I oversaw the extreme freeze the community experienced in February of 2011

It was a week long activation of our Emergency Operations Center in which all departments with both the City of El Paso and County of El Paso, to include the State of Texas, were involved with and working together to insure our community could face the issues with losing electrical power, water and natural gas to both its residents and business'

Supervisor: Fire Chief Roberto Rivera 915-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

BATTALION CHIEF 02/2002 to 01/2009

City of El Paso Fire Department El Paso, United States

During my tenure as Battalion Chief, I was assigned two different duties/assignments; one was in the Operations Division where I was assigned to the Central part of the City of El Paso

I oversaw 35 firefighters, 7 fire stations to include the Airport Rescue and Firefighter station

Had responsibility as Incident Commander on any and all incidents within the 30 square mile area that was under my command

Insured my personnel had all certifications up to standard and up to date, all their training was current, performance evaluations were current, annual requirements were met to include physicals, evaluations, testing processes, etc

The Second duty/assignment I had during this time frame was the Office of Emergency Management

I was called in to act as either the Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) or the Assistant EMC, for a combined total of over 3 years

During this time the City of El Paso experienced a federally declared disaster due to a 500-year flood

I acted as Incident Commander at various times during this incident both in the Emergency Operations Center as well as in the field, dealing with the disaster

The City of El Paso also was an active partner during Katrina and Rita

With Katrina we opened up a large shelter for over 800 New Orleans evacuees; I was the Incident Commander of this operation as well

We also opened up several 'Special Needs' shelters for evacuees of Rita

I operated in the Operations Branch during this event and assisted in the repatriation efforts of these individuals and families after their hometowns were able to accept them back

Supervisor: Chief Mike Widtfeldt 915-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Contributed to successful public education initiatives designed to increase community awareness of fire prevention measures and general safety practices.

Supervised and coordinated tactical methodology used in resolving emergencies and other situations.

Exemplified a commitment to excellence throughout my tenure as Battalion Chief, consistently receiving positive performance evaluations for my ability to deliver results within challenging environments.

Maintained high levels of readiness by regularly evaluating equipment inventory, personnel training, and overall resource availability within the battalion.

Performed frequent station inspections and drafted reports and plans for issues of importance.

Secured grant funding for essential equipment upgrades, enhancing firefighting capabilities and overall department effectiveness.

Oversaw budget management processes, ensuring proper allocation of resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility at all times.

Managed multiple fire stations effectively, ensuring personnel were properly trained, equipped, and supervised for optimal performance.

Developed and executed strategic plans for department growth, including improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and staffing levels.

Established strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses to increase engagement and support for fire department initiatives.

Collaborated with neighboring jurisdictions on regional emergency preparedness plans to ensure seamless response capabilities across borders during large-scale events or disasters.

Coordinated fire prevention inspections and pre-planned activities of department.

Enhanced firefighter safety through the implementation of comprehensive training programs and adherence to strict safety guidelines.

Directed work of 45 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.

FIREFIGHTER THROUGH FIRE CAPTAIN 09/1985 to 02/2002

City of El Paso Fire Department El Paso, United States

I began my career with the El Paso Fire Department in September of 1985 as a trainee

During the time from September 1985 through February 2002 I worked in the ranks of Firefighter, Fire Suppression Technician (Driver), Fire Lieutenant and Fire Captain spending approximately a little over 4 years in each rank

During those 17 years I worked in every fire station the City of El Paso had open in the operations division

I responded to emergency calls of every size, complexity, type, location, etc

Imaginable

I operated in every element of the Incident Command System structure from Incident Commander down to a resource in the Operations Branch

I also worked in the Communications Division (911 call and dispatch center) for over 1 year

I was assigned to the Hazardous Materials Response Team as the Captain and I was charged with developing the team from it's 'Task Force' type response to a single company with support from other divisions

I developed the system, and it is still in usage today with the department

I was assigned as the House Captain at Central Fire Station and oversaw the building itself as well as all the apparatus assigned to the station

I was the Liaison with all visitors and other agencies that had business with the El Paso Fire Department when they visited Central Station

Oversaw all supplies and equipment assigned to the station and insured they were utilized in a manner that was both economically sound and all persons and did so in a safe and efficient manner

Supervisor: Assistant Fire Chief Don Johnson 915-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Utilized technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.

Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.

Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.

Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.

Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.

Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.

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.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma

Ysleta High School, El Paso, TX

Professional Development:

Relevant Coursework:

3.5 GPA

Fire Services Administration/Emergency Management

El Paso Community College, El Paso, TX

Credits Earned: 60 Semester hours

Relevant Coursework, Licenses and Certifications: Still working on obtaining my degree in Fire Services Administration/Emergency Management.

Job Related Training: I have completed numerous training and certifications over the course of my career to include: Hazardous Materials Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Investigator, Fire Instructor, 1081 type Industrial Fire Training, Emergency Management courses, NIMS ICS courses, Train the Trainer courses in various subjects, etc. Copies of certificates available on request.

National Fire Academy

Numerous courses (college course type classes)

Will provide certifications upon request

CERTIFICATIONS

Hazardous Materials Technician

Emergency Medical Technician

Fire Investigator

Fire Instructor

1081 type Industrial Fire Training

Emergency Management courses

NIMS ICS courses

Train the Trainer courses

LANGUAGES

English

Full Professional

Spanish

Limited Working

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