Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Gavin S. Whims

Yucaipa,CA

Summary

I have been a Deputy State Fire Marshal for CAL FIRE Office office of the State Fire Marshal and a firefighter for 14 years with CAL FIRE. I have obtained an Associates in Applied Science in Fire Science and a Bachelors in Fire Administration with honors in both degrees. I hold Fire Inspector IA,1B,1C and 1D, Plans Examiner 1A and 1B certifications and Fire Investigation 1A and 1B from the California State Fire Marshal office.

I have been responsible for fire life safety testing and acceptance of fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems. I have worked on the fire alarm upgrade project's at Ironwood State Prison, California State Prison and have assisted on construction inspections for the Palm Springs Tram, CHP El Centro Station, CSUSB construction projects, Snapdragon stadium and various projects at Patton State Hospital. I have been responsible for plan review and inspections on the ESS projects at two major institutions.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy State Fire Marshal

Office of the State Fire Marshal
10.2019 - Current
  • Assigned to Fire Life Safety Division
  • Conducts detailed building and fire safety inspections; recommended proper design and installation of fire protection equipment; enforces fire safety standards in construction, operation, and maintenance of various types of occupancies as specified in Title 19 and 24 Building Code, Fire Code and NFPA Standards.
  • Advised architects, engineers, and contractors concerning laws and regulations governing fire and panic safety in design, construction, and modification of buildings; reviews and approves construction drawings and specifications
  • Received and reviewed official reports and documents for completeness, accuracy and content.
  • Conducted building inspections for compliance with fire codes and regulations and performed follow-up inspections when needed.
  • Operated personal computer, software and systems to develop and maintain records and reports of fire inspections.
  • Conducted plan reviews for new buildings and renovations and updates to existing structures and approved or denied submissions based on compliance factors.
  • Carried out fire inspections to identify fire hazards and recommend corrective measures.
  • Inspected alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for operational use to minimize incidents.

CPR and First Aid Instructor

CPR & More
01.2017 - 02.2023
  • Provide accurate information using proper teaching techniques to individuals including written and visual aids
  • Provide proper feedback on training and learning of CPR skills
  • Prepare written reports afterwards.

Firefighter

CAL FIRE, Bernardino Ranger Unit
06.2010 - 10.2019
  • Conducted annual defensible space inspections and provided education to homeowners on safety of their homes.
  • Fire suppression activities in both municipal and rural settings
  • Responded as part of engine company to structure fires, wildland fires, medical aids and various other emergencies.
  • Collaborated with other emergency responders on scene to establish adequate fire suppression.
  • Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
  • 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.
  • Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
  • Conducted thorough tests and inspections of gear, equipment and tools to stay ready for every type of fire.
  • Assisted in prevention of fires through public education programs.
  • Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
  • Carried out fire inspections to identify fire hazards and recommend corrective measures.

Firefighter

CAL FIRE, Ranger Unit
07.2002 - 12.2009
  • Led defensible space inspections writing up reports and referring properties for further inspections if needed
  • Worked with various Microsoft operations preparing reports and creating excel and PowerPoint presentations
  • Responsible for daily inspection and maintenance of all fire equipment
  • Assisted with business inspections while assigned to Calimesa Fire Station
  • Lead public fire prevention activities and helped with fire education.
  • Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
  • Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
  • 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.
  • Assisted in prevention of fires through public education programs.
  • Provided station tours, pre-incident surveys and installed smoke detectors to provide fire education to public.
  • Carried out fire inspections to identify fire hazards and recommend corrective measures.
  • Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.

Forest Aid Technician

United States Forest Service, San Bernardino Nation Forest – Big Bear District
05.2001 - 10.2001
  • Assigned to Big Bear Crew 1 in the San Bernardino National Forest , Mountain Top District.
  • Been assigned to major disasters zones in both California and nationally
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.

Education

Bachelor of Science - BAS Fire Administration

Waldorf University
Forest Falls, Iowa
10.2017

Associates - Applied Science – Fire Science

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, Alabama
02.2016

Skills

Building Construction

Title 19 inspections

Title 24 inspections

Plan review

Fire life safety systems testing

  • Public Education
  • Fire Inspection Investigations
  • Fire Inspection Suppression
  • Workload Prioritization
  • Records Management
  • Building Inspection
  • Site Inspections

Certification

USFA -Fire Protection Systems USFA -Building Construction for Fire Protection USFA -Fire Behavior and Combustion USFA-Community Risk Reduction and Emergency Services USFA -Political and Legal Foundations in Fire Protection CSFM -Fire Investigation 1A CSFM - Fire Investigation 1B CSTI – Hazardous Materials Awareness CSTI- Hazardous Materials Operation CSTI - Hazardous Materials Decontamination REMS -Emergency Medical Technician Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation -American Heart Association PC832

Timeline

Deputy State Fire Marshal

Office of the State Fire Marshal
10.2019 - Current

CPR and First Aid Instructor

CPR & More
01.2017 - 02.2023

Firefighter

CAL FIRE, Bernardino Ranger Unit
06.2010 - 10.2019

Firefighter

CAL FIRE, Ranger Unit
07.2002 - 12.2009

Forest Aid Technician

United States Forest Service, San Bernardino Nation Forest – Big Bear District
05.2001 - 10.2001

Bachelor of Science - BAS Fire Administration

Waldorf University

Associates - Applied Science – Fire Science

Columbia Southern University
USFA -Fire Protection Systems USFA -Building Construction for Fire Protection USFA -Fire Behavior and Combustion USFA-Community Risk Reduction and Emergency Services USFA -Political and Legal Foundations in Fire Protection CSFM -Fire Investigation 1A CSFM - Fire Investigation 1B CSTI – Hazardous Materials Awareness CSTI- Hazardous Materials Operation CSTI - Hazardous Materials Decontamination REMS -Emergency Medical Technician Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation -American Heart Association PC832
Gavin S. Whims