What State do you live in?

AK

Type of Organization

Part/Paid Fire Department

Job Function

Fire Chief/Commisioner

Years in Fire/EMS:

40

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Fire/EMS both

Years With Department/Agency

15

Dept. Web Site:

http://ci.valdez.ak.us/fire

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Cordova Fire Department, Cordova Alaska 7 years
King Cove Fire Department, King Cove Ak. 6 years

My Training:

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 1 Instructor
AHA Instructor
EMT 3 Advance ALS Medic
IFSAC FF1&FF2/Haz Ops/Haz Tech/Rope Rescue/Confined Space

About Me:

Served four years in the US Coast Guard in Petersburg Ak. on the Elderberry and then CG Station Lake Ponchitrane

Day Job:

Fire Chief

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://gkeeney

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Coast Guard said they needed a person to go to EMT1 class back in 1974. I volunteered since I had taken first aid in the High School ROTC and it came in handy when I saved my brother after having a seizure and choking on a piece of his tongue he had bitten off.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Being able and trained to helping those in need.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Recruitment and retention. It is harder to get good volunteers and keep them around for years since we have to train them and provide PPE that costs a fortune.