Mackenzie Fox

As a dedicated and highly skilled member of Kirkland Lake Fire Services, I have actively contributed to a wide range of emergency response activities, including fire suppression, medical response, and community outreach. My role has encompassed emergency fire calls, medical first response, operational leadership, and fire prevention initiatives, all aimed at enhancing public safety and operational efficiency. I have consistently demonstrated expertise in both fire suppression tactics and medical interventions, as well as leadership during high-stress emergencies.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Emergency Response & Fire Suppression:

• Responded to emergency fire calls for fire suppression and extinguishment, ensuring rapid and effective deployment of resources. Played an active role in high-risk situations, including wildfire response (2012 wildfire) and major flood incidents (2024 flooding), utilizing advanced firefighting techniques to control and mitigate dangerous situations.

Medical First Responder:

• Served as a Medical First Responder in accordance with the TIERD response agreement with DTEMS, providing critical emergency medical care at the scene of incidents. I was involved in various life-saving medical calls, including handling the sensitive situation of a murder response.

Training & Operational :

• Consistently participated and instructed training exercises and drills, aligning with NFPA standards to improve performance and operational readiness. Training activities included

Pumping Hydraulics & Fire Engine Operations:

• (NFPA 1001: Firefighter I & II, JPR 4.4): Gained proficiency in the operation of fire engines, including managing pumping hydraulics for water supply and fire suppression, ensuring effective and efficient water flow during emergency responses.

Rapid Intervention:

• (NFPA 1006: Technical Rescuer, JPR 5.3.1): Mastered rapid intervention tactics for rescuing trapped or distressed firefighters, ensuring swift and effective life-saving measures during emergency operations.

Auto Extrication:

• (NFPA 1670: Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue, JPR 5.3.2): Trained in advanced auto extrication techniques, including the safe and efficient use of tools and equipment to extricate victims from vehicles involved in accidents.

Forcible Entry & Ladder & Hose Operations:

• (NFPA 1001: Firefighter I & II, JPR 5.1): Conducted frequent drills in forcible entry and ladder operations to access structures during firefighting operations. Practiced hose deployment and advanced firefighting techniques for effective suppression.

Truck Familiarization & Portable Pump Operations:

• (NFPA 1001: Firefighter I & II, JPR 4.3): Gained in-depth knowledge of fire apparatus, including vehicle layout, equipment placement, and the use of portable pumps for water supply in various emergency conditions.

SCBA Maintenance & Usage:

• (NFPA 1404: Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection, JPR 6.1.2): Regularly conduct maintenance and ensure proper filling of SCBA units, adhering to NFPA standards for safe breathing operations during hazardous environments and fire suppression

Leadership as Acting Platoon Chief:

• Led and managed fire crews as an acting Platoon Chief during various emergencies and regular duties. Successfully coordinated operations during critical incidents, ensuring proper communication, resource allocation, and team safety.

Fire Prevention & Community Engagement:

• As Fire Prevention Officer for the past year, I developed and implemented fire safety programs to educate the community on fire prevention measures, reducing the risk of fire-related incidents. I also created and manage the KLFS Facebook page, growing its following from 0 to 1,881 followers, with an average of 48,000 views per month, significantly enhancing community engagement and awareness.

Fire Apparatus Maintenance & Repairs:

• Regularly performed minor repairs and maintenance on fire apparatus, ensuring that all equipment remained in peak operating condition and ready for use during emergencies.

Off-Duty Commitments:

• Volunteered significant off-duty hours, responding to incidents and supporting fire prevention and community outreach initiatives, demonstrating unwavering commitment to public safety.

• Provided maintenance and repair services for trucks and heavy equipment, including excavators, dozers, skidders, loaders, and delimbers.
  
• Replaced key components such as transmissions, differentials, and planetary gears to ensure equipment functionality.
  
• Operated various machinery, including backhoes and front-end loaders, for operational tasks.
  
• Conducted regular maintenance including greasing trucks, checking fluids, and performing tire and air brake maintenance on schedule.
  
• Ensured all maintenance tasks were completed accurately and within deadlines to minimize downtime.

• Troubleshot equipment breakdowns and performed preventive maintenance.
• Maintained accurate records for all repairs, upgrades, and preventative measures taken on various equipment types.
• Completed partial or full dismantling of equipment to quickly repair or replace defective components and restore functionality.
• Used problem-solving skills to alleviate issues efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Responded immediately to mechanical breakdowns and developed timely repair plan to minimize downtime.
• Enhanced machine longevity, conducting detailed inspections and necessary repairs.
• Replaced worn or broken parts on machines and equipment.