Sarah McChesney
Prince Rupert,BC
Summary
Highly motivated Firefighter with in-depth knowledge of safely suppressing fires. Thinks quickly under pressure and remains calm in stressful situations. Experience in efficiently responding to fire and EMS calls. Adept in application of excellent communication and problem solving skills. Trained in medical response and fire suppression. Handles issues quickly and resolves conflicts successfully.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary School Teacher
School District 52
10.2019 - Current
- Worked within the First Peoples Principals of Learning.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social and emotional growth.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Created individualized plans based on needs of different children.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers and administrative staff.
Firefighter Medic
Iqaluit Fire Department
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Drove and operated ambulances, engines, ladders, and off road vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Operated fire hoses, hydrants and extinguishers to eliminate fire and prevent from spreading.
- Collaborated with other emergency responders on scene to establish adequate fire suppression.
- Maintained levelheadedness and efficiency in high-pressure situations, effectively prioritizing tasks to save lives and provide medical care.
9-1-1 Dispatcher
City of Prince Rupert
02.2022 - 07.2023
- Received public emergency and non-emergency calls and supervised response prioritization in order to effectively dispatch official units such as police, fire and EMS while tracking data in real-time environments.
- Read system maps and caller information, and documented details in system.
- Operated telephone and radio equipment to receive requests and reports from police officers, medical dispatch and firefighting crews.
- Received 911 and non-emergency calls and dispatched calls to appropriate agencies and officers on duty.
Volunteer Firefighter
Port Edward Volunteer Fire Department
09.2020 - 07.2023
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Removed individuals from dangerous situations and offered emergency assistance for minor and critical concerns.
- Calmly and effectively directed evacuations during fires and emergencies to avoid fatalities, injuries and panic.
- Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
President
Port Edward Fire Rescue Association
05.2022 - 07.2023
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
Sports Med First Aid
All Native Basketball Tournament
02.2015 - Current
- Prescribed treatments such as rest, ice, compression and elevation.
- Developed and implemented preventative programs to minimize injuries.
- Evaluated and triaged athletic injuries for doctor.
- Provided emergency care, first aid and initial evaluations for any injury occurring on field, during practice or while exercising.
- Coordinated care with athletes, families and coaches.
Substitute Teacher
Annunciation School
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs and recordkeeping.
Substitute Teacher
School District 52
09.2020 - Current
- Upheld classroom routines and provided consistent support.
- Assisted students of all ability levels.
- Document growth through various assessment practices.
- Took notes and prepared reports on school day activities to provide to primary teacher.
Terminal Service Attendant
BC Ferries
06.2015 - 09.2019
- Managed quality assurance program, including on-site evaluations, internal audits and customer surveys.
- Directed traffic during loading/unloading procedures; maintained terminal buildings and grounds; communicated with other shipboard and terminal staff to ensure the safe and efficient loading and discharge of vessel traffic; as well as responded to passenger queries.
Swim Coach
Kamloops Classic Swimming
09.2016 - 08.2019
- Motivated athletes to become stronger and more effective through training habits.
- Helped promote team camaraderie with teammates, families and the community.
- Cultivated community and media relations through media platforms.
Educational Assistant
School District 52
05.2016 - 07.2018
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat and properly sanitized.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management.
- Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students grow their learning.
Education
Emergency Medical Responder
Canadian Red Cross
Iqaluit, NUClass 3 Drivers Licence -
NMTO
Iqaluit, NUFire Prevention Officer -
Justice Institute of British Columbia
New Westminster, BC02.2025
Fire Officer -
Justice Institute of British Columbia
New Westminster, BC02.2025
Fire Academy -
Firemedix
Surrey, BCBachelor of Arts - History
Thompson River University
Kamloops, BCAboriginal Studies Certificate -
Thompson Rivers University
KamloopsSkills
- Organizational abilities
- Community education
- Emergency Management
- Cooperative Relationships
- Community Education
- Team Collaboration
- Decision Making and Prioritization
- Safety Compliance
- Problem Solving
Accomplishments
Member of Iqaluit Fire Departments Peer Support Team.
Published a children's book through Muskeg Press in Prince Rupert, British Columbia titled "The Lemon Tart".
Co-founded “Reading for Rupert,” a program dedicated to strengthening community relations by enlisting local frontline and essential workers to read stories for children through Facebook during the initial wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Volunteer Work
Prince Rupert Guns and Hoses Hockey Game
- Coordinated volunteers and managed in-game fundraisers ensuring seamless operation before, during, and after the event to maximize fundraising efforts and community engagement.
- Designed the event logo and ensured consistent branding across all promotional materials for the game.
Canadian Cancer Society Walk
- Assisted with event setup, including signage, registration tables, and refreshment stations.
- Helped distribute participant materials and answered questions from walkers.
Prince Rupert IAFF 559 Golf Scramble
- Managed a designated hole during the golf scramble event, overseeing activities related to potential hole-in-one shots.
Skeena River Relay
- Managed a designated station along the route, responsible for ensuring the safe crossing of participants across the highway.
- Collaborated with event organizers to ensure accurate timing and recording of participant race times.
Certification
- Food Safe Certificate
- NCCP Swim Coach
- Sports Medicine First Aid
- Athletic Taping Certificate
- First Responder (FireMedix)
- Air Breaks Endorsement
- Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education UBC (MOOC)
- Indigenous Canada University of Alberta (MOOC)
- Indigenous Awareness (BCIT)
- Understanding Unconscious Bias (BCIT)
- CAN Autism Awareness for First Responders
- Respectful Workplaces (BCIT)
- LPG Level 1 Firefighting
- Water Safety for First Responders
- 2SLGBTQ+ Awareness for First Responders
- Reflection on Truth and Reconciliation
- Active Shooter/ Armed Shooter Awareness
- IAFF Drug-Related Incidents
- IAFF Cancer In The Fire Service
- IAFF Preventing the MAYDAY
References
Derek Salisbury
Chief - FireMedix
firemedix@yahoo.com
604-916-7556
Alex Storring
Lieutenant - Iqaluit Fire Department
a.storring@iqaluit.ca
639-317-6295
Michael McDowall
Deputy Chief - PEVFD
mike.mcd@hotmail.com
778-884-0355
Laura Wiebe
Teacher SD52
laura.wiebe@sd52.bc.ca
519-563-9540
Timeline
Firefighter Medic
Iqaluit Fire Department
07.2023 - 03.2024
President
Port Edward Fire Rescue Association
05.2022 - 07.2023
9-1-1 Dispatcher
City of Prince Rupert
02.2022 - 07.2023
Substitute Teacher
Annunciation School
09.2021 - 01.2023
Volunteer Firefighter
Port Edward Volunteer Fire Department
09.2020 - 07.2023
Substitute Teacher
School District 52
09.2020 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
School District 52
10.2019 - Current
Swim Coach
Kamloops Classic Swimming
09.2016 - 08.2019
Educational Assistant
School District 52
05.2016 - 07.2018
Terminal Service Attendant
BC Ferries
06.2015 - 09.2019
Sports Med First Aid
All Native Basketball Tournament
02.2015 - Current
Emergency Medical Responder
Canadian Red Cross
Class 3 Drivers Licence -
NMTO
Fire Prevention Officer -
Justice Institute of British Columbia
Fire Officer -
Justice Institute of British Columbia
Fire Academy -
Firemedix
Bachelor of Arts - History
Thompson River University
Aboriginal Studies Certificate -
Thompson Rivers University
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