Madeline Trapnell
San Diego
Summary
Motivated and disciplined firefighter with hands-on experience in both wildland and structural firefighting operations. Beginning as a member of the California Conservation Corps hand crew, and advancing through multiple fire seasons with CAL FIRE, I bring a strong work ethic, leadership growth, and extensive field knowledge. Experienced in engine, handcrew, and rescue operations, fireline construction, and emergency medical response. Dedicated to public safety, teamwork, and continuous professional development as I pursue a permanent Firefighter II role within CAL FIRE’s San Diego Unit.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE Station 21 Flinn Springs, Type 3 Engine Company
San Diego
03.2023 - Current
- Served as a key crew member on a type 3 engine company responsible for fire suppression, emergency response and community safety throughout San Diego county. Demonstrated initiative, technical proficiency, and reliability under demanding and arduous conditions.
- Respond to all risk calls including structure fires, vegetation fires, rescues, traffic collisions, and medical aids as a member of an engine company.
- Maintain proficiency in advanced fire suppression techniques and the use of firefighting apparatus.
- Operate and maintain firefighting equipment, tools, and apparatus in accordance with CAL FIRE policies and procedures.
- Perform pumping operations, progressive hoselays, drafting and mobile attack tactics during wildland incidents.
- Support initial attack, extended attack, and mop-up operations across diverse terrain and adverse conditions.
- Provide emergency medical care as an EMT at scene of medical aids and traffic collisions.
- Maintain exceptional physical fitness and mental readiness for extended operational periods.
- Operate mobile, base, and portable radios to maintain clear and consistent communication with incident command and other units in the field.
- Participate in regular station maintenance, cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE San Diego Fire Center, SFC2 Handcrew
San Diego
02.2025 - 03.2025
- Returned to San Diego Unit as part of CAL FIRE’s “Emergency Rehire” to support staffing needs and post-fire recovery operations following the 2025 LA Fires. While assigned to San Diego Fire Center, assisted with flood fight and debris-removal efforts, implemented erosion control measures and community protection work in affected areas. Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and readiness transitioning from suppression to recovery operations before reassignment to an engine company at Flinn Springs Station 21.
- Performed standard Type 1 Handcrew assignments including fireline construction, mop-up, fuels reduction and prescribed burns.
- Supported post-fire recovery and flood-fighting operations including debris removal, erosion control, and community protection measures.
- Contributed to team cohesion, safety, and efficiency during high stress emergency and training operations.
- Maintained station, tools, and equipment (including chainsaws, hand tools and medical gear) to ensure operational readiness for daily assignments.
- Assisted in Fire Center projects and station maintenance and daily cleaning.
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE Rainbow Fire Center, RBW 6, RBW 3 Handcrew
San Diego
08.2022 - 12.2024
- Completed three successful fire seasons on a CAL FIRE Type 1 handcrew, consistently reselected for duty due to skill, work ethic and commitment to crew operations. Gained foundational wildland firefighting experience that established a strong base for engine company and structural firefighting duties.
- Engaged in fireline construction, mop-up, and hazard tree felling on multiple major wildland incidents.
- Participated in burning operations and prescribed fire activities in support of CAL FIRE vegetation management objectives.
- Supported state-wide initial attack and extended attack wildland fire suppression efforts.
- Conducted rehabilitation and suppression repair work post-fire to restore impacted areas.
- Operated and maintained hand tools, including chainsaws, Pulaskis, Mcleods and shovels, for clearing brush, digging trenches, and building fuel breaks.
- Ensured crew readiness: by participating in rigorous physical training and fire drills.
- Maintained and repaired essential firefighting equipment: and vehicles to ensure optimal working condition.
- Adhered strictly to safety protocols in high-stress, dynamic environments and maintained constant communication with crew members and command.
- Utilized two-way radios to relay critical fire status, needs for resources, and crew progress on any given assignment.
- Maintained endurance for hiking long distances over rugged terrain and performed physically demanding tasks for extended periods of time.
- Collaborated effectively with diverse teams and followed directions from superiors to achieve suppression goals.
- Analyzed fire weather and topographical data to predict fire activity.
- Performed general maintenance and housekeeping duties as assigned at the Fire Center.
- Maintained a professional demeanor at all times.
CCC Firefighter
California Conservation Corps. (CCC) Handcrew Member SFC4
San Diego, CA
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Selected through competitive tryouts to serve on a California Conservation Corps (CCC) wildland handcrew, gaining foundational experience in fire suppression, fireline construction, and hazardous operations. Developed strong teamwork, safety awareness, and physical endurance while performing initial attack and extended fire operations. Demonstrated commitment to public service, following chain-of-command supervision, and maintaining readiness in challenging remote environments before accepting Firefighter I position with CAL FIRE.
- Constructed firelines, performed mop-up, and assisted in containment of vegetation fires under direct supervision.
- Worked around dozers, helicopters, engine crews and aircraft while on fire assignments.
- Operated hand tools, portable pumps, and other fire suppression equipment safely and efficiently.
- Supported initial attack and extended attack fire operations, assisting CAL FIRE and other partner agencies in wildfire suppression.
- Participated in daily safety briefings, equipment inspections, and maintenance of hand tools and gear.
- Assisted in crew training exercises, wildfire preparedness drills, and physical conditioning to maintain readiness.
- Maintained high physical endurance and situational awareness for operations in rugged and remote terrain.
- Adhered to all CCC and CAL FIRE safety standards and policies.
Marketing Coordinator
Black Box Safety, Inc.
El Cajon, CA
05.2020 - 02.2022
- Supported a veteran-owned small business specializing in personal protective equipment (PPE), firefighting gear, and emergency medical supplies for first responders. Promoted products that meet operational standards, safety requirements, and end-user needs. Combined marketing, customer service, and product education to strengthen relationships with fire departments, EMS agencies, and public safety professionals.
- Marketed and promoted firefighter PPE, EMS gear, and medical equipment to departments and individual first responders.
- Supported sales outreach and built professional relationships with local fire agencies, EMTs, and law enforcement.
- Conducted inventory checks, product demonstrations, and customer education on proper use and maintenance of PPE and gear.
- Collaborated with management to track product performance and identify new market opportunities within the fire service community.
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring first responders had reliable, mission-ready equipment.
- Maintained a strong understanding of NFPA standards, PPE safety features, and current fire/EMS operational needs.
Education
Emergency Medical Technician - undefined
West Coast EMT
01.2023
CPR/BLS - undefined
American Heart Association
01.2022
High school Diploma - undefined
Minnetonka High school
01.2019
Skills
- Wildland Firefighting: Hose lays, mobile attack, mop-up, firing operations
- Structural Firefighting: Water shuttle, hose management, forcible entry, ventilation, salvage, overhaul
- Crew Leadership: Safety briefings, crew management, squad leader
- Tools-Fire: Chainsaws, hand tools, power tools, hose
- Tools-Trade: Various tools including drills, drivers, sanders, skillsaws, etc General tools for carpentry, drywall, and painting
- Navigation and Field Ops: Map/compass/GPS, VHF radio operations, weather monitoring (Ie, Kestral, belt weather kit)
- Vehicle Operations: Daily inspections and general maintenance of state vehicles
- Medical: EMT-B level care, emergency response, medical cache management
- Fitness & Endurance: Rugged terrain experience, daily PT, extreme and adverse weather conditions and climates
- Administrative & Logistics: Timekeeping, FC33s, paperwork, logging information
- Team player / strong collaboration with others
- Effective communicator (verbal and written)
- Fast learner / adaptable
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Dependable and accountable
- Exhibit strong safety awareness and situational discipline
- Structural and wildland fire
- Coordination and Communication
- Physical Fitness and Endurance
- Incident Response and Readiness
- Fire Behavior Safety & Awareness
- Leadership & Mentorship
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Continuous Training and Professional Growth
- Structural firefighting
Certification
- CSFM/CAL FIRE
- CSFM IFSAC/ProBoard Fire Fighter I– IFSAC/ProBoard, California State Fire Marshal’s Office
- CSFM Firefighter Safety and Survival (2023)
- CSFM Fire Control 3 Structural Firefighting-Fixed Facilities (2018)
- CSFM Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A
- CAL FIRE FFIb: Hazardous Materials: Awareness & Operations
- CAL FIRE FF1C: Wildland
- CAL FIRE FF1D: Fire Orientation
- CAL FIRE Confined Space Rescue Awareness
- CAL FIRE Dozer Swamper
- CAL FIRE C-212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws-Basic Sawyer
- NWCG
- S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- S-290: Intermediate Fire Behavior
- L-180: Human Factors on the Fireline
- S-110: Basic Wildland Firefighter orientation
- S-130: Firefighter Training
- MEDICAL
- Emergency Medical Technician - West Coast EMT, Current, E195100
- CPR BLS First Aid/AED– American Heart Association
- NIMS/FEMA
- ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- ICS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
- IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS) Overview
- IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction
- DRIVING
- CA State Defensive Driving
- Drivers License Class C
- OTHER
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training
- EEO & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- Workplace Safety / Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
- CAL FIRE Vector Solutions Modules (Ongoing)
Timeline
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE San Diego Fire Center, SFC2 Handcrew
02.2025 - 03.2025
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE Station 21 Flinn Springs, Type 3 Engine Company
03.2023 - Current
Firefighter I
CAL FIRE Rainbow Fire Center, RBW 6, RBW 3 Handcrew
08.2022 - 12.2024
CCC Firefighter
California Conservation Corps. (CCC) Handcrew Member SFC4
03.2022 - 08.2022
Marketing Coordinator
Black Box Safety, Inc.
05.2020 - 02.2022
Emergency Medical Technician - undefined
West Coast EMT
CPR/BLS - undefined
American Heart Association
High school Diploma - undefined
Minnetonka High school