Christopher Stoffal
Marysville
Summary
Hardworking Fire Apparatus Engineer devoted to promoting, improving and implementing fire, life and safety codes. Well-versed in maintaining current knowledge of industry trends and code updates by completing training and networking with professionals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter 1
CAL FIRE CZU
08.2007 - 11.2008
- Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Cut and cleared brush and dug trenches to create fire lines using axes, chainsaws or shovels.
- Established water supplies, connected hoses and directed water onto fires.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Patrolled burnt areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that could flare or rekindle.
- Upheld high standards of professionalism while interacting with the public during prescribed burns or emergency situations.
- Optimized firefighter performance through active participation in daily physical training sessions designed to maintain endurance levels.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
Firefighter 1
Cal Fire BTU
05.2009 - 11.2013
- Increased overall firefighting effectiveness through continuous skill development, participating in regular drills and attending advanced training courses.
- Collaborated with local fire departments to enhance mutual aid capabilities, resulting in improved response times during large-scale emergencies.
- Performed safety procedures such as foreign object debris walks to clear the flight deck of materials that could damage aircraft.
- Worked in Ramp position which controls the tarmac with Arial Firefighting aircraft to available retardant pits and fueling areas. Was responsible for the overall safety of personnel on the Ramp
- Worked in Retardant plant with the overall responsibility of mixing the fire retardant for aircraft. Also maintain all Retardant plant equipment and keep supervisor informed on how much Retardant was on hand for operation's.
- Worked as a Fixed Wing Parking Tender. Overall positions responsibility was the safety of aircraft and personnel in the pit areas. Specifically the starting of aircraft and launching aircraft. Along with parking them and marshalling in the loaders will aircraft are still running.
- Worked as a Loader. Job was to wait for aircraft to stop and wait for Parking tender to signal you into start loading aircraft with retardant. It was crucial to load the correct amount of retardant and not over load aircraft to keep them with in weight for flight.
- Trained with specialized extinguisher's for applying AFFF. To assist with emergencies with aircraft to keep personnel safe for evacuation's of aircraft.
- Worked as a Fuel tender for aircraft. While aircraft were refueling stood by in a safety position to respond with fire fighting equipment or ensure personnel were safe while fueling aircraft from top of the aircraft.
- Operated and maintained tug to move aircraft when winds were blowing in wrong direction to make starting of aircraft easier on equipment.
- Operated and maintained fork lift to move retardant plant for mixing of retardant.
Firefighter
Cal Fire BTU
05.2014 - 08.2015
- 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.
- Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
- Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
- Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
- Operated pallet jacks and material moving equipment to receive and transport items from various warehouse locations.
- Checked packages and merchandise for damage and notified vendors.
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks.
- Worked as a Runner for fires dropping off critical supplies on fires such as hose, appliances, water, foam, food, and other necessary tools for firefighting. Also helped haul back equipment from fires.
- Rehabbed equipment after return from fire to maintain fire readiness
- Dealt with fire stations to deliver supplies for resupply after fires and everyday station use.
- Worked with vendors to get necessary supplies for on going fires and replace damaged equipment
- Dealt with federal excess inventory and equipment
Firefighter
Cal Fire BTU
08.2015 - 08.2023
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- 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.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- 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.
- Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
- Participated in physical fitness and training programs to maintain preparedness and stamina for fire rescues.
- Cut and cleared brush and dug trenches to create fire lines using axes, chainsaws or shovels.
- Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
- Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
- Patrolled burnt areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that could flare or rekindle.
- Enhanced wildfire containment by coordinating and executing strategic fireline construction.
- Upheld high standards of professionalism while interacting with the public during prescribed burns or emergency situations.
- Improved crew safety through diligent hazard assessment and risk management during incidents.
- Established water supplies, connected hoses and directed water onto fires.
- Mitigated environmental impact of wildfires by implementing soil erosion prevention techniques during fireline construction.
- Worked as Dozer swamper on several assignments. Would hike and scout out potential dozer line. Also helped maintain equipment and fueled dozer. Drove as lead vehicle and handled radio traffic for dozer operator while navigating to different fires and units.
- Worked in DEMOB shop in camp on several assignments. Was overall accountability for large incident based fires. Working status check in and creating the demob list for the following day. All the while woking with plans to help with work rest cycle and mobilization of equipment.
- Worked as HEQB on several occasion's in unit. Was assigned to divisions on fires and hike out and scout out proposed line. Along with dealing with private contractor operators of equipment and water tenders. Handling shift tickets and equipment evaluations.
Fire Apparatus Engineer
Cal Fire BTU
08.2023 - Current
- Protected community from house and building fires.
- Used sophisticated firefighting and rescue equipment.
- Reduced property damage through strategic placement of fire apparatus during incidents.
- Performed practice drills.
- Safeguarded public welfare during emergency situations with proper traffic control measures while operating fire apparatus.
- Expedited patient care delivery by driving ambulances when needed and assisting EMTs with medical equipment setup at scenes.
- Optimized resource allocation during multi-alarm incidents by coordinating the movement of additional fire apparatus resources between stations as needed.
- Improved emergency response times by efficiently navigating fire apparatus to incident locations.
- Reinforced departmental goals of continuous improvement by providing constructive feedback on fire apparatus performance during after-action reviews of emergency incidents.
- Bolstered incident scene safety through proficient deployment of ground ladders, ventilation fans, lighting systems, and other support equipment from fire apparatus.
- Cleaned and inspected all equipment.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department through adherence to standard operating procedures and guidelines for fire apparatus operation.
- Contributed to successful firefighting strategies by effectively communicating with incident commanders and crew members during emergencies.
- Increased team efficiency by training junior firefighters on the operation and maintenance of fire apparatus.
- Supported firefighting operations with timely water supply management and pump operation.
- Aided in wildfire containment efforts through effective use of specialized wildland fire apparatus, including brush trucks and water tenders.
- Responded to fire alarms and extinguished fires.
- Advanced professional development by attending training sessions, workshops, and conferences related to Fire Apparatus Engineering best practices.
Education
High School Diploma -
Nevada Union High School
Grass Valley, CA06.2003
No Degree - General Studies
Sierra College
Rocklin, CAAssociate of Science - Fire Protection And Safety Technology
Yuba College
Marysville, CA05.2025
Skills
- HAZMAT handling
- Firefighting tactics
- Fire Service Leadership
- Emergency vehicle operation
- Fire pump operation
- Equipment Maintenance
- Incident Command System
- Wildland Firefighting
Timeline
Fire Apparatus Engineer
Cal Fire BTU
08.2023 - Current
Firefighter
Cal Fire BTU
08.2015 - 08.2023
Firefighter
Cal Fire BTU
05.2014 - 08.2015
Firefighter 1
Cal Fire BTU
05.2009 - 11.2013
Firefighter 1
CAL FIRE CZU
08.2007 - 11.2008
High School Diploma -
Nevada Union High School
No Degree - General Studies
Sierra College
Associate of Science - Fire Protection And Safety Technology
Yuba College
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