Nicolas FOLIO

I assume command of the second-largest fire station on the island of La Réunion, overseeing a high operational workload alongside active union involvement. This role required balancing the demands of intense emergency response with effective personnel management in a dynamic, unionized environment. My responsibilities included ensuring operational readiness, fostering constructive labor relations, and maintaining a collaborative atmosphere to support both mission effectiveness and workforce satisfaction.

Transitioning from a military to a civilian environment, I assumed the role of Fire Station Chief in La Réunion, tasked with the strategic challenge of restructuring a station grappling with multiple operational issues. This role demanded adaptive leadership to address structural inefficiencies, enhance team cohesion, and implement effective operational protocols within a civilian framework.

As a recipient of three innovation awards, I was assigned as a staff officer in the Bureau of Studies and Prospective at the Paris Fire Brigade Headquarters. I contributed to strategic planning and forward-looking initiatives, leveraging my background in innovation to develop insights and approaches for the brigade’s future needs. This position required analytical expertise, an understanding of emerging challenges, and the ability to drive projects that align with long-term operational objectives.

I maintained an executive role in managing high-level operational interventions. Organizationally, I supervised the entire functioning of the company, encompassing extensive HR responsibilities. Additionally, I served as a direct liaison with elected officials across 13 municipalities within my 50 km² area, representing a population of 300,000. This position required strategic oversight, community engagement, and a comprehensive approach to both internal operations and external partnerships.

As Deputy to the Company Commander, I continued to lead high-level operational interventions, ensuring effective response and coordination during complex incidents. On the organizational side, I was responsible for supervising our vehicle fleet, valued at over €3 million, overseeing its readiness, maintenance, and operational integrity. This role combined strategic intervention leadership with the logistical oversight required to maintain a critical fleet essential to our mission.

On the operational side, I led complex and high-profile emergency interventions, providing strategic oversight and ensuring effective response coordination. Organizationally, I managed collective catering for a company encompassing three fire stations, overseeing food supply orders, meal preparation, and adherence to hygiene standards to support the team’s daily needs. This role required a balance of leadership in dynamic situations and meticulous planning for essential service logistics.

Officier élève - Filière renseignement / langues Major concours d'entrée filière lettres 2ème au classement général en fin de scolarite

As Fire Guard Chief, I oversaw the operational management of the fire guard, encompassing training activities, and commanded on-scene interventions, particularly in fire-related incidents. I held responsibility for ensuring the smooth functioning of daily guard operations and led firefighting teams during emergency responses. Additionally, I managed complex administrative duties in support of the unit commander, contributing to both the operational and organizational effectiveness of the unit.

I managed a team responsible for the oversight and maintenance of essential barracks equipment, ensuring readiness and compliance with brigade standards. My duties included controlling the inventory and condition of individual and collective uniforms, all barracks furnishings, and bedding arrangements. I developed a custom application that streamlined our inventory processes, aligning with Paris Fire Brigade regulations and supporting my team’s mission to maintain operational excellence.

The New York Firefighter - Hero of the 19th Century

Firefighters and heroism in Bavaria at the end of the 19th century.