Sam Bird
Director of Training
Phone: (225) 788-8514
E-mail: sambird@estcmsla.com

2007-Present Special Risk Insurance, Inc. MISS/LOU-Director of training

2007 Retired-Fire Chief, Iberia Parish Fire Protection District # 1

1994-2007 Fire Chief, Iberia Parish Fire Protection District # 1

Responsible for the administration and coordination of all fire and rescue department activities, including personnel management and supervision of all subordinate personnel including appointing authority for the fire civil service system. Directs emergency scene operations, oversees fire prevention, performs public relations duties, manages equipment, supplies, prepares and administrates the budget annually. Provides and schedules training for career and volunteer firefighters, officers and other personnel for the entire Parish of Iberia. Prepared specifications and maintenance of fire and emergency fleet including 28 vehicles.

1988-1994 Training and Programs Manager, Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Responsible for administrating quality training for 17 counties and 4 cities which consist of 160 different fire department both career and volunteer. Analyze training needs of all departments and industries for Southwest Virginia. Assisted in course development of various new programs and the implementation of those programs. Planned prepared and maintained the annual budget for the entire region, also scheduled, coordinated and supervised all training in fire, rescue, hazardous materials as well as industrial training using adjunct instructors.

1980-1994 Adjunct Instructor, Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Instructed classes throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia for career and volunteer fire departments as well as industrial fire brigades. All classes were instructed with the National Fire Protection Association standards being used to implement safety for all aspects of the fire service. Specialized in Hazardous Materials training and taught classes for the inception of Hazardous Materials Levels one and two for first responders which includes fire, police, rescue and other emergency personnel which may be first on scene.

1969-Present Volunteer Firefighter and Fire Chief