James Nelson, Jr.
Nashville
Summary
Seasoned Fire Captain with extensive experience at Nashville Fire Department, showcasing exceptional leadership in emergency management and personnel management. Demonstrated proficiency in problem-solving and effective communication, leading teams of up to 50 firefighters in high-stakes environments. Achieved significant improvements in safety enforcement and emergency response protocols.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Fire Captain
Nashville Fire Department
03.2016 - Current
- Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Compiled and maintained log books, run reports and training records.
- Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
- Directed work of 5 to 50 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
- Assigned firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
Fire Engineer
Nashville Fire Department
05.1996 - 03.2016
- Assisted in prevention of fires through public education programs.
- Evaluated areas after containing fires to identify and suppress hot spots.
- Performed maintenance on water tanks, fire hoses and other firefighting equipment.
- Assisted with regular maintenance of firefighting equipment.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
- Inspected alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for operational use to minimize incidents.
- Effectively supported fire suppression by setting up and maintaining water supply lines.
- Operated hoses, pumps, ladders and other firefighting equipment.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
Firefighter
Nashville Fire Department
09.1988 - 05.1996
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Preserved order and discipline among subordinates and gave assignments and instructions.
- Assessed scenes, coordinated responses and communicated critical details to superiors through two-way radios.
- Checked fire suppression equipment regularly and oversaw upkeep.
Education
High School Diploma -
Hillwood High School
Nashville, TN06.1985
Skills
- Emergency Management
- Personnel Management
- Emergency Response
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Workload prioritization
- Relationship Building
- Safety enforcement
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Problem-Solving
- Professionalism
- Analytical Thinking
- Crew Leadership
- Effective Communication
Affiliations
- Free Mason
- TN Mental Health Strike Force
- Nashville Fire Department Peer Counselor Member
- Nashville Fire Local 140 Honor Guard Family Liaison
Timeline
Fire Captain
Nashville Fire Department
03.2016 - Current
Fire Engineer
Nashville Fire Department
05.1996 - 03.2016
Firefighter
Nashville Fire Department
09.1988 - 05.1996
High School Diploma -
Hillwood High School