Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

7

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Marshalltown

Years With Department/Agency

2

My Training:

FF I, FF II, Haz Mat Ops, EMT B, Motor sports fire and safety, wildland firefighter II.

About Me:

In 2008, I was elected to be a lieutenant for Toledo. Serving as an officer gave me the opportunity to get more involved and learn more about the fire service. Before this time, I was really out of shape and about twice the size I am now. Serving as an officer, however, I felt obligated to be able to do everything that I would be directing other firefighters to do. I started exercising and made some changes to my lifestyle. Slowly I started to melt and get better conditioned. Eventually, my love of the fire service and my conditioning got to the point that I decided to try to go to the next level and test for paid departments. I tested for several departments, made multiple lists, and eventually got picked up by a paid depatment a half hour away from my home town.

Day Job:

Firefighter

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.facebook.com

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I'm not going to lie, I joined the fire department because I wanted to wear a uniform and have a light on my dash. Over the past few years, though, I have done a lot of growing up and realized what the fire service is really about. Now, my light sits between the seats when it's not needed and my uniform only comes out when everyone else's does. I remain active in fire/ems though, probably more active than before, because of the pride and the comradery that comes from being a firefighter.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Pride, brotherhood, sweat, heat, dirt, pain.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Training. Training is the biggest issue by far. The way our world is constantly evolving, mostly the changes being made to vehicles and building materials and methods, it is very important that we know as much as possible about everything that we could possibly encounter. Training, both hands on and class room, is the only way to be prepared.