Zachary King
Ossian
Summary
Dynamic fire service professional with 14 years of progressive experience, actively pursuing a Battalion Chief position. Expertise includes a robust operational background and demonstrated leadership in high-risk environments, underscoring a steadfast commitment to firefighter safety, training excellence, and organizational advancement. Passionate about enhancing emergency response capabilities and team performance while fostering the development of future fire service leaders. Proven ability to drive initiatives that promote safety and operational efficiency within the fire department.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Firefighter / EMT
Southwest Fire District
Yoder, IN
04.2012 - Current
- Served as a dependable and experienced Firefighter/EMT, responding to fire, medical, rescue, and hazardous incidents while demonstrating sound judgment under pressure
- Performed advanced fire suppression operations including interior attack, ventilation, search and rescue, and overhaul, ensuring firefighter and civilian safety
- Provided high-quality pre-hospital emergency medical care within EMT scope of practice, including patient assessment, stabilization, and coordination with transporting agencies
- Assumed informal leadership roles on scene by assisting with task assignments, mentoring junior personnel, and supporting company officers during emergency operations
- Operated effectively within the Incident Command System (ICS), maintaining situational awareness and adapting to dynamic emergency conditions
- Led by example in adhering to safety procedures, departmental policies, and professional standards
- Assisted with vehicle extrication, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response while prioritizing risk assessment and scene control
- Conducted and supported fire prevention efforts, inspections, and community education activities
- Maintained operational readiness of fire apparatus, medical equipment, PPE, and tools through routine inspections and corrective actions
- Actively participated in ongoing training and professional development, maintaining all required certifications and competencies
- Demonstrated reliability and accountability through consistent shift coverage, emergency call-backs, and support of department operations
Public Safety Office/Office In Charge
Fort Wayne–Allen County Airport Authority
Fort Wayne, IN
09.2017 - 07.2024
- Served as on-duty Officer in Charge, providing supervisory oversight and command authority for public safety operations during assigned shifts
- Assumed incident command and managed emergency responses utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS) until relieved by higher authority
- Directed fire suppression, EMS, rescue, law enforcement, and security operations with a focus on life safety, risk management, and operational effectiveness
- Supervised and coordinated on-duty personnel, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and providing leadership and mentorship
- Made critical, time-sensitive decisions in high-risk environments impacting personnel safety, public safety, and property protection
- Acted as primary liaison with dispatch, airport/municipal leadership, mutual aid partners, and external agencies
- Ensured compliance with departmental policies, safety standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations
- Oversaw readiness of personnel, apparatus, equipment, and facilities through inspections and corrective action
- Completed and reviewed incident reports, shift documentation, and operational logs for accuracy and accountability
- Represented the department professionally while balancing enforcement, safety, and customer service responsibilities
Diesel Technician
MacAllister Machinery Company
01.2013 - 09.2017
- Inspected, diagnosed, repaired, and maintained diesel-powered vehicles and heavy equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation
- Performed preventative maintenance and corrective repairs on engines, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension, fuel, hydraulic, and electrical systems
- Utilized diagnostic tools and software to identify mechanical, electronic, and emissions system issues
- Ensured compliance with DOT, OSHA, EPA, and manufacturer safety and maintenance standards
- Conducted welding, fabrication, and component replacement as required
- Maintained accurate documentation of inspections, repairs, parts usage, and labor hours
- Coordinated with supervisors, operators, and parts vendors to minimize equipment downtime
- Responded to emergency or roadside repair needs to support operational readiness
- Maintained a clean, organized, and safe work environment
- Participated in ongoing training and maintained required technical certifications
Education
High School Diploma -
Wayne High School
Fort Wayne, IN05-2012
Associate Degree - Diesel Technology
Owens Community College
Toledo, OH08-2016
Law Enforcement Officer -
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy
Pendleton, IN02-2018
Associate of Science - Paramedicine
Ivy Tech Community College
Fort Wayne, IN06-2027
Skills
- Structural firefighting
- Fire safety
- Emergency vehicle extrication
- Leadership skills
- Emergency management
- Radio communication proficiency
- Incident command system
- Crisis management expertise
Certification
- Fire Officer I & II
- Incident Safety Officer
- Firefighter I & II
- EMT-B
- Fire Instructor I
- Fire Officer Strategy & Tactics (FOST)
- Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations
- Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF)
- Vehicle Rescue Ops & Technician
- Technical Rescue Awareness
- NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
Timeline
Public Safety Office/Office In Charge
Fort Wayne–Allen County Airport Authority
09.2017 - 07.2024
Diesel Technician
MacAllister Machinery Company
01.2013 - 09.2017
Firefighter / EMT
Southwest Fire District
04.2012 - Current
High School Diploma -
Wayne High School
Associate Degree - Diesel Technology
Owens Community College
Law Enforcement Officer -
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy
Associate of Science - Paramedicine
Ivy Tech Community College