Bryce Neelen

As a Permanent Fire Apparatus Engineer in CAL FIRE, Tulare Unit I Plan and assign work, give instruction, maintain discipline, and make decision relating to the supervision of engine companies and hand crews engaged in fighting wildland, structural, or other fires, flood control, hazardous materials incidents, emergency responses, vehicle extrication incidents, and other emergency activities. Occasionally perform minor maintenance on buildings and fire stations/camps. Train a company to fight fire and operate tools. Supervise and perform the construction and maintenance of fire defense improvements. Supervise the use of and perform preventive and minor maintenance on assigned equipment. Transport a crew over mountainous roads, operate fire apparatus, power tools (e.g., chain saws), and heavy equipment during emergency incidents and nonemergency project work. Complete investigations and reports on the cause and origin of fires, collect and preserve evidence. Perform dispatching of resources at Heli-Base, supervises the air attack base crew. Conducts field training including the evaluation of student performance. Evaluate work of assigned employees, read and use maps. May assist others in performing accounting, budgeting, personnel, and material management tasks. Keep records, write and submit reports as required.

Professional Highlights

• 6 months at shop performing apparatus maintenance
• 5 Months at PAAB- CWN/EU manager
• Completion of multiple construction projects
• Completion of JAC
• Assisted in FF1 academy at Cal Fire Atwater Training center
• Assisted in FFA academy at Cal Fire Ben Clark training center
• Filled in as Division On in Unit assignments
• Three years assigned to single engine (Captain) stations
• Three years of fire control road maintenance; Brushing,Limbing and culvert repair

In Fresno Kings Unit as a permanent Firefighter 2, I would;
respond to alarms as a member of a fire crew on such fire apparatus as pumper or water tank trucks. Connect, lay, and operate hose lines. Enter burning areas and structures with charged hose lines. Operate and climb ladders, make forcible entry into buildings, ventilate buildings, use hand tools and fire equipment to contain and suppress fire. Assist in rescue and salvage operations as a crew member of a rescue truck. Assist in making fire prevention inspections. Assist in building, grounds, and equipment maintenance and repair. Inspect, clean and repair fire hose and equipment. Sharpen fire tools, paint equipment and buildings and perform minor construction work. Perform general housekeeping duties. Under close supervision, operate motor vehicles on station premises and elsewhere in nonemergency situations for training purposes. Assist in the training of seasonal and volunteer fire fighters.

Professional Highlights

• Completion of FFA
• Completion in kitchen remodel at Millerton Lake station
• Developed strong relationships with fellow first responders by participating in joint training exercises and supporting mutual aid agreements.

As a temporary employee I would do heavy physical work involved in fire fighting as a member of a fire crew. Assist in building, grounds, and equipment maintenance and repair.

As a member of a fire crew, receive training in wildland, rural, and structural fire suppression methods and techniques. Fight fire as a member of a fire crew using tools and equipment such as a shovel, axe, McLeod, Pulaski, and back pump. Clear trails, cut brush, assist in building, grounds, and equipment maintenance and repair. Inspect, clean and repair fire hose and equipment, sharpen fire tools, paint equipment and buildings and perform semiskilled or laboring construction work. Perform general station housekeeping and kitchen duties.

Professional Highlights

• Completion of multiple station remodel projects in Lassen Modoc Unit
• Completion of multiple station remodel projects in Fresno Kings Unit
• Completion of Dozer Swamper training in Fresno,CA.
• Increased firefighter skill levels by providing ongoing training sessions on new equipment use, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials handling.
• Provided critical medical assistance to injured individuals at incident scenes utilizing CPR certification and basic EMT skills when necessary.

As the owner/operator I was responsible for oversight, function and operation of the business. I would bid jobs by visually inspecting or doing plan estimations. I would submit quotes via email or fax. After approval of the job I would order the materials for delivery or pick up and develop a time line for completion. Before work would start we would discuss all safety requirements and job hazards. After our required CAL OSHA safety meetings we would begin construction. I was also responsible for the hiring of new employees, payroll and finances. I did all vehicle maintenance for BVS Drywall including; truck brakes, oil changes, AC repair, belt replacement and checking fluid levels. Our construction jobs would consist of framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, drywall, finish carpentry, paint, landscaping, flooring, tile showers, tile floors, tile counters, concrete and masonry work.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Owner/Operator
• Ensured safety compliance by maintaining clean and organized work environment on job sites.
• Built strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials at competitive prices.
• Improved project efficiency by accurately measuring, cutting, and installing drywall to meet client specifications.
• Increased project completion speed with expert use of taping tools, such as bazookas, banjos, and automatic tapers.
• Prevented costly rework by thoroughly inspecting completed jobs for adherence to quality standards before final sign-off from clients or supervisors.