Leland Sharpe
Clovis,CA
Summary
Accomplished Emergency Management Specialist with over 17 years of progressive experience in planning, designing, and executing complex emergency preparedness and response exercises in alignment with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and California Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS) guidelines. Seamlessly developed, implemented and executed over 100+ large scale Incident Action Plans (IAP). Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams through Full Scale, Functional, Tabletop, and Drill-based exercises, ensuring operational readiness, according to Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) guidelines. Skilled in coordinating with Local, State, and Federal agencies, internal departments, and regulatory bodies to enhance preparedness and resilience. Strong command of the Incident Command System (ICS), with expertise in after-action analysis, improvement planning, and emergency operations. Proficient at facilitating Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshops (IPPW) and representing organizations in high-stakes external engagements.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Company Officer (Retired)
Fresno City Fire Department
09.2007 - 04.2025
- Responded to 10,000+ emergency calls involving residential, commercial, wildland fires, vehicle accidents, and medical crisis delivering rapid, high-quality, life-saving care under high-pressure conditions.
- Ensured 100% operational readiness of fire apparatus and equipment, consistently exceeding industry maintenance and performance standards.
- Documented, analyzed and curated over 1,200+ incidents annually, using the National Incident Management System (NIMS), driving data-informed improvements in emergency response strategies.
- Active member of a Type 3 Incident Management Team, contributing to effective coordination and command during large-scale emergencies.
- Conducted over 300+ comprehensive fire safety inspections annually, of local buildings and infrastructure, identifying and mitigating hazards to improve public safety and reduce fire risk.
- Designed and facilitated over 50+ fire prevention and safety presentations annually, improving community fire awareness by 40%.
- Adjunct Instructor for 5 major training academies, mentoring 200+ recruits and officers in firefighting, safety, and leadership development programs.
- Instructed Emergency Medical Services courses for Central California EMS (CCEMS), improving regional emergency care competencies.
- Hazmat Specialist on regional Hazmat Team, deployed for 75+ chemical/biological incidents, ensuring safe, compliant mitigation of hazardous threats.
- Actively served on 3 departmental committees—Mentorship, Process Improvement, and Labor Relations—leading key initiatives that improved morale, reduced turnover, and optimized workflows.
- Elected to Executive Board of Local 202 and PAC, advocating for firefighter welfare and policy reform at municipal and state levels.
- Leveraged advanced software tools to streamline operational processes, optimize performance, and enhance overall department efficiency.
- Contributed innovative solutions to departmental challenges, consistently exceeding customer satisfaction and improving service delivery outcomes.
First Sergeant (E-8)
United States Air Force
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Monitored and facilitated the morale, physical and psychological well-being, and professional conduct of airmen, ensuring a resilient and mission-ready force.
- Monitored and promoted morale, physical/psychological well-being, and conduct of over 3,500 airmen, ensuring a resilient, mission-ready force aligned with core values and operational standards.
- Mentored 3,500+ airmen across multiple commands, directly supporting career development, advancement preparation, and retention initiatives that contributed to a measurable increase in reenlistment and promotion rates.
- Provided family support programs and unit-level advocacy, improving quality of life and boosting unit cohesion and mission focus.
- Maintained 100% deployment readiness for assigned personnel by enforcing physical, technical, and logistical compliance with global mobility mission standards.
- Oversaw timely completion of all required training for airmen, achieving 100% compliance with regulatory deadlines and contributing to sustained mission capability.
- Connected airmen to wellness, safety, and resilience programs, increasing awareness and use of mental health and personal readiness resources by over 30%.
- Communicated policies, vision, and core values consistently to personnel, ensuring mission alignment and reinforcing a culture of accountability and excellence.
- Enforced strict adherence to safety protocols and organizational protocols, resulting in zero reportable incidents and enhancing compliance across all operational areas by 42%.
- Led Workforce Development and Management (WFDM) initiatives, optimizing personnel alignment with evolving mission requirements and future force planning.
- Supported airmen with access to safety and wellness resources, strengthening personal resilience and operational safety.
- Communicated policy, procedures, organizational vision, and core values to airmen, fostering an informed, mission-focused workforce.
- Monitored adherence to organizational policies and technical orders, ensuring all operations were executed safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Supervised Workforce Development and Management (WFDM) initiatives, aligning personnel capabilities with operational requirements.
- Assisted in developing and maintaining budget analysis, contributing to resource planning and fiscal responsibility to support operational readiness and unit goals.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
United States Special Mission Aviator (SMA), HH-60 Combat Rescue
United States Air Force
06.1989 - 01.2006
- Performed over 1,200 flight hours in high-stakes operations, executing pre- and post-flight inspections to maintain peak aircraft and systems readiness in support of global missions.
- Operated and maintained cutting-edge airborne weapon systems and sensors, supporting real-time target acquisition, engagement strategies, and tactical superiority.
- Supported 300+ Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and personnel recovery missions in hostile environments, contributing to successful recoveries and increased survivability.
- Safely loaded, secured, and delivered high-value assets, across diverse mission profiles, ensuring compliance with operational and safety protocols under time-sensitive conditions.
- Assisted in aircraft navigation, fire control planning, and tactical execution, developing effective weapons delivery strategies in conventional and non-conventional mission settings.
- Led the planning and execution of classified/special operations missions, recognized for professionalism, operational discipline, and mission success.
- Developed and presented After-Action Reviews (AARs) and Quality Assessments (QA), directly influencing procedural improvements and mission-readiness strategies across flight operations.
- Certified Master Instructor and Superintendent at Air University Technical School—training and mentoring over 1000+ next generation airborne operators and mission specialists.
- Maintained comprehensive flight, training, and maintenance documentation, ensuring full compliance with Air Force and FAA regulations while improving audit and inspection readiness.
- Delivered Mission Capabilities Briefings (MCBs) to senior leadership and air crews, improving operational awareness and interdepartmental coordination before mission execution.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
UNIVERSITY OF COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERISTY
Orange Beach, AL2013
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science Technologies
UNIVERSITY OF COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERISTY
Orange Beach, AL2010
Associate of Applied Science - Project Management & Procurement
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Montgomery, AL2007
Associate of Applied Science - Industrial and Ground Safety
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Montgomery, AL2005
Associate of Applied Science - Risk Management
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Montgomery, AL2003
Associate of Applied Science - Human Resources
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Montgomery, AL1998
Associate of Applied Science - Aeronautical & Space Flight Systems
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Montgomery, AL1993
Skills
- Leadership
- Task-Oriented
- Strong Written Communication
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Strategic planning
- Risk Management
- Joint Information Center
- Safety Officer
- Critical Thinking
- Master Instructor/ Evaluator
- Planning and prioritizing
- Incident Command System
- Budget Analysis
- Emergency Operations Center
- Planning Section Chief
- Project Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Resource Management
- Cross-functional Teams
- Significant Accident Review Team
- LEAN Principals
- Team-oriented
- Customer-oriented
- Training Records
- Post-Incident Analysis
- Public Information Officer
- Innovation Oriented
- Facilitator
- Liaison Certified
- Operations Section Chief
- Conflict Resolution
Certification
- Certified Associate Project Manager
- Certified Lean Six Sigma (Yellow Belt)
- Registered Industrial Hygienist Professional
- Master Instructor
- Master Facilitator
- Labor Negotiator
- Community Emergency Response Team
- Human Organizational Performance
- Responding to Utilities Emergencies
- Safety and Compliance Officer
- Risk Mitigation and Hazard Identification
- Incident Command System 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
- Emergency Preparedness Officer
- Emergency Planning
- National Fire Protection Association Hot Work Safety Practices
Awards And Decorations
- Bronze Star Medal
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Medal (5) Valor Devices
- Meritorious Service Medal (3) Oak Leaf Devices
- First Sergeant of the Year
- Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year
- Enlisted Air Crewman of the Year
- Instructor of the Year
- Fresno Fire Department Valor Award
- Fresno Fire Department Life Saving Award (3) Devices
- City of Fresno Employee of the Quarter (2) Awards
Timeline
Company Officer (Retired)
Fresno City Fire Department
09.2007 - 04.2025
First Sergeant (E-8)
United States Air Force
01.2006 - 01.2012
United States Special Mission Aviator (SMA), HH-60 Combat Rescue
United States Air Force
06.1989 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
UNIVERSITY OF COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERISTY
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science Technologies
UNIVERSITY OF COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERISTY
Associate of Applied Science - Project Management & Procurement
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Associate of Applied Science - Industrial and Ground Safety
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Associate of Applied Science - Risk Management
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Associate of Applied Science - Human Resources
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
Associate of Applied Science - Aeronautical & Space Flight Systems
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE, AIR UNIVERSITY
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