Wayne Hopkins
Claymont
Summary
Fire Life Safety Specialist with proven expertise in OSHA compliance and emergency plan development. Experienced in hazardous materials response and training, leading emergency response teams effectively. Conducted fire safety education and audit programs that significantly improved organizational safety and compliance.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Adjunct Instructor
Delaware State Fire School
New Castle
01.2025 - Current
- Delivered Hazardous Materials response and Basic Life Support/CPR/AED training in both classroom and hands-on settings.
Adhered to established course outline and lesson plan for consistent delivery.
Assessed students through practical evaluations and written examinations to measure proficiency.
Fire Life Safety Specialist & Fire Chief
FMC
Newark
06.2020 - Current
- Managed inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire and life safety systems, supervising staff daily.
- Served as Fire Chief for Emergency Response Team in Fire, Hazardous Materials spills, Confined Space Rescue, and EMS.
- Conducted OSHA and NFPA training for team members to ensure compliance and safety readiness.
- Facilitated site emergency planning by coordinating drills and exercises for incident management team.
- Developed and implemented emergency plans addressing various potential site emergencies.
- Oversaw security functions, ensuring physical safety of people and assets on site.
- Performed assessments to create policies and procedures enhancing overall site security.
Volunteer Firefighter
Claymont Fire Company
Claymont
02.1998 - Current
- Responded to emergency fire and rescue calls with promptness and efficiency.
- Conducted fire safety education programs, enhancing community awareness.
- Assisted in fire prevention inspections for local businesses and residences.
- Served as Board of Director and Personnel Officer, contributing to organizational governance.
- Operated fire apparatus, ensuring safe and effective transportation during emergencies.
Fire Life Safety Specialist / Fire Chief
DuPont Company
Wilmington
06.1989 - 06.2020
- 1989 - 2000 - The Corporate Security function was responsible for ensuring the physical security of corporate headquarters, hotels, and associated facilities.
- 2000–2020: Led the fire life safety inspection, testing, and maintenance function across multiple buildings and sites.
- Lead the emergency response team function, including fire, hazardous materials, confined space rescue, and EMS responses.
- Participated as a lead fire protection auditor, supporting the corporate second-party EHS auditing program.
- Performed Contract Administration functions for the life safety contracts.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Administration of Justice
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA08-1990
Fire Engineering Technology - Fire Engineering Technology
Delaware Technical Community College
DE12-2011
Certifications - Emergency Response
Delaware State Fire School
Dover, DESkills
- Hazardous materials training
- Fire safety inspections
- Emergency planning
- OSHA compliance
- Facilities management
- Team leadership
- Fire safety auditing
- Contract administration
Certification
NFPA - Certified Fire Protection Specialist
Accomplishments
2025 - Life Saving Award - New Castle County Paramedics
Timeline
Adjunct Instructor
Delaware State Fire School
01.2025 - Current
Fire Life Safety Specialist & Fire Chief
FMC
06.2020 - Current
Volunteer Firefighter
Claymont Fire Company
02.1998 - Current
Fire Life Safety Specialist / Fire Chief
DuPont Company
06.1989 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Science - Administration of Justice
Pennsylvania State University
Fire Engineering Technology - Fire Engineering Technology
Delaware Technical Community College
Certifications - Emergency Response
Delaware State Fire School