Eric Hawthorne
Independence
Summary
Experienced Fire/EMS leader with over a decade in emergency operations, advanced life support, and crew supervision. Currently serving as Engineer/Paramedic and Acting Captain Qualified. Demonstrates effective decision-making in high-risk situations and fosters personnel development through workforce planning and peer support. Committed to building accountable, well-trained teams and enhancing operational readiness.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Engineer/Paramedic (Acting Captain Qualified)
Lee's Summit Fire Department
Lee's Summit
01.2014 - Current
- Lead by example in high-tempo emergency environments, ensuring safe apparatus placement, coordinated fireground operations, and disciplined execution of tactical objectives
- Serve as ALS team leader, directing patient care decisions and coordinating with regional healthcare and EMS partners
- Perform Acting Captain duties, supervising personnel, assigning tactical responsibilities, and maintaining operational accountability
- Foster culture of professionalism and ownership by mentoring probationary firefighters and coaching peers
- Support company-level training to reinforce operational standards and ensure readiness in suppression and EMS disciplines
- Maintain equipment and apparatus readiness, ensuring compliance with safety and performance expectations
- Inspected fire equipment for safety compliance.
Firefighter and EMT
St. Joseph Fire Department
St. Joseph
04.2013 - 01.2014
- Executed fire suppression, ventilation, search, and ladder operations to ensure safety and effectiveness in emergency situations
- Provided coordinated first-response EMS care alongside regional ALS agencies
- Coordinated with team members to enhance adaptability and teamwork during high-volume response scenarios
- Conducted community education sessions on fire prevention and safety practices to promote awareness and preparedness.
Education
Paramedicine
Central Jackson County Fire Protection District
Blue Springs, MO01-2016
Associate of Science - Fire Science
Metropolitan Community College
Lee's Summit, MO01-2014
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education-Corporate Fitness
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO05-2011
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, ALAffiliations
Workforce Planning Committee (2024-present)
Timeline
Engineer/Paramedic (Acting Captain Qualified)
Lee's Summit Fire Department
01.2014 - Current
Firefighter and EMT
St. Joseph Fire Department
04.2013 - 01.2014
Paramedicine
Central Jackson County Fire Protection District
Associate of Science - Fire Science
Metropolitan Community College
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education-Corporate Fitness
University of Central Missouri
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University