Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Junior Firefighter/Explorer

Years in Fire/EMS:

1

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Years With Department/Agency

1

Web Site:

http://www.confireexplorers.org

My Training:

As an Explorer, we do 12 or 24 hour ride-alongs with either an engine or truck company, and help out on any calls we get, as well as doing work around the station. We have drills every month on different firefighter skills, i.e. rooftop ventilation, hose lay evolutions, salvage and overhaul, basic medical care, wildland firefighting operations, et cetera. Currently I am enrolled in EMT at Los Medanos College and hope to graduate soon, and hopefully going to be in the firefighter I academy in the fall.

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

When I was about 4 years old, my aunt came over for dinner and ended up choking on tri-tip. When the firefighters arrived on scene, I watched them perform CPR and bring her back. She ended up dying about a week later for another reason. That day changed my life and I would love to make a difference in someones life because they're having one of the worst days of their lives and I can attempt to make it better.