John Wells
Guelph,ON
Summary
Dynamic fire service professional with 34 years of experience, including 25 years at the City of Guelph Fire Department. Proven leader in emergency response and incident command, complemented by strong leadership, and effective communication skills. Successfully led training initiatives, enhancing team readiness and operational efficiency while fostering a culture of safety and collaboration. Specialized in curriculum development, and classroom management. Highly competent Instructor with background in developing and delivering engaging lessons. Strong knowledge of curriculum design, assessment methods, and classroom management, contributing to successful learning environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Captain/Platoon Chief In Training
City Of Guelph Fire Department
Guelph, ON
06.2000 - Current
- Contributed to practical testing of new OFM Command Course alongside Kurt Merriman - 2025
- Engaged in updating GFD command structure for ICs (Platoon Chiefs and Platoon Chiefs in Training) since December 2023.
- Serve as Blue Card Incident Command Instructor since October 2020, and Lead Instructor/Organizer since 2022.
- Guelph Fire Recruit Instructor for Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Course and Fireblast Trailer, 2011-2024.
- Directed Guelph Fire Fall 2011 Recruit Class as Lead Instructor/Organizer.
- Currently serving 34 years in the fire service, 25 years as a career firefighter at the Guelph Fire Department.
- Trained and mentored new firefighters on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Supported training sessions for new recruits and volunteers.
- Led training exercises to improve team readiness and response capabilities.
- Supported training sessions by organizing materials and preparing training environments.
- Collaborated with team members during drills to enhance communication skills.
- Assisted with event planning, support and execution of virtual and in-person engagements.
- Helped maintain applicant tracking systems and recruiting metrics.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Prepared incident reports by documenting details of service calls and responses.
- Collaborated with team members on emergency response drills.
- Documented equipment maintenance logs and incident reports accurately.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Demonstrated proficiency in emergency response and firefighting operations throughout tenure. Utilized advanced firefighting techniques to effectively manage emergencies.
- Participated in community outreach events to promote fire safety.
Education
Blue Card Incident Command Instructor - Incident Command
Blue Card Incident Command
Guelph, ON10-2020
Fire Service Career Preperation Certicicate - Fire Service Career Preperation
The Fire Academy
Toronto, ON12-1995
Fire Protection Engineering Technology Diploma - Fire Protection Engineering Technology
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology
North York05-1990
High School Diploma -
Haliburton Highlands Secondary School
Haliburton, ON06-1987
Skills
- Incident command curriculum development and delivery
- Class instruction
- Education assessments
- Student evaluation
- Recordkeeping
- Lesson planning
- Group and individual instruction
- Classroom management
- Student-centered learning focus
- Student rapport
- Strong communication skills
- Interactive teaching and learning
- Incident command
- Emergency response
- Training development
- Team leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Presentations
- Spreadsheet tracking
- Multitasking and organization
- Records administration
- Report writing
- Record preparation
- Computer skills
- Data evaluation
Certification
·Blue Card Incident Command Instructor Certificate 2020
NFPA 1041 Instructor Level I 2015
· NFPA 1041 Instructor Level II 2015
· NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level I 2013
· NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level II 2017
· Basic Incident Management System (IMS 200) – April 2022
· Introduction to IMS (IMS 100) – June 2, 2010·
· NFPA1521-2015 FDSO Incident Safety Officer - (Pro Board Certificate -June 2, 2017)
· A.L.E.R.T Emergency Elevator Evacuation Training Course - Feb. 2018·
· OFM Part I Ticket & Warrant Entry Workshop Certificate – Feb. 2017
· OFM Fire Safety Planning & Inspection Order Seminar Certificate – Feb. 2107·
· OFM FPO 301/302 Course April 2015
· Anhydrous Ammonia Emergency Response Workshop (London Ont.) Sept. 2013
· OFM Fire Scene Assessment Certificate Sept. 2013·
· International Academy For Professional Driving Certificate Sept. 2009
· OFM Ontario Career Firefighter Certification – July 2009
· OFM Firefighter Curriculum certificate of Equivalency – June 2009
· Overwatch Inc. Group – Radiation Detector & safety Training Certification Jan. 2009
· Lambton College – Hazardous Materials Technician Level Certification – June 2008
· OFM Terrorism/Hazardous Awareness Certificate – Aug. 2007
· OFM Firefighter Program Certificate – April 2004
· OFM Hazardous Materials Awareness For First Responders in Ontario Certificate – April 2003·
· York Region Fire Departments Training Association – Fireground operations certificate – May 1999
· Code 4 Fire & rescue Inc. “Jaws Of Life” Auto Extrication Certificate – Fe. 1997
· SACOM Asset Protection Associates – Sprinkler Systems Awareness Certificate – June 1996
· The Fire Academy Fire Service Career Preparation Certificate – Dec. 1995· ·
Affiliations
- Crown Witness in a Preliminary Hearing regarding a call regarding an overdose 2024
- Guelph Fire Prevention Secondment Jan.2017-May 2017
- Guelph Fire Haz-Mat Technician Team 2008-2016
- Guelph Fire Lead Instructor/organizer for Fall 2011 Recruit Class
- Guelph Fire “Fireblast Trailer” Trainer/Operator 2011-Present
- Canadian Fire Alarm Association Certified Fire Alarm Technician 1995-2010
- Volunteer Firefighter Town Of Whitchurch-Stouffville 1996-2000
- Crown Witness In A preliminary Hearing For Arson Investigation – 1989
- Volunteer Firefighter Town Of Anson, Hindon, Minden 1987-1992
Timeline
Captain/Platoon Chief In Training
City Of Guelph Fire Department
06.2000 - Current
Blue Card Incident Command Instructor - Incident Command
Blue Card Incident Command
Fire Service Career Preperation Certicicate - Fire Service Career Preperation
The Fire Academy
Fire Protection Engineering Technology Diploma - Fire Protection Engineering Technology
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology
High School Diploma -
Haliburton Highlands Secondary School