Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Captain, Hazardous Materials Team Member

Years in Fire/EMS:

28 Years

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Wayne Twp. F.D., Marion County, Local #416.

Years With Department/Agency

28 Years

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.waynefire.org

Web Site:

http://www.liztonfire.tripod.com

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Indiana Task Force 1 (FEMA IN-TF-1) HM/WMD Team 2002-current.
Bridgeport VFD (Originally part of Wayne Twp. when WTFD was Volunteer).
Grayson Fire Dept. (Kentucky) Paid on-call. Member while attending Kentucky Christian College: 1984-1986.

My Training:

Ever increasing. Don't know it all and never will. The day I think I do is the day I quit!

About Me:

Married 18 years. Wife is also a firefighter/HM Specialist and works for Emergency Management. Three kids: Two boys, both COPS...not smart enough to pass the FD entrance exam...and one daughter who plans on going into the Marines when she gets out of High School. Five grandkids (boys have been busy). Rescue siamese cats. Have six plus four other felines. Five dogs and a Cockatiel, all rescued as well. Regular zoo at our place. Collect FD antiques, but am thinning down my inventory. Sell on e-bay under name of: HAZMATCAP. Look me up!

Day Job:

Being a Dad and Pappaw!

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://N/A

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Honestly, I loved the helmets as a child. I'd "steal" my Dad's to play 'Johnny & Roy' all day if I could.

The day I headed home from the hospital after being born, my Dad took me to the firehouse first to "show me off" before I ever entered my home. It got in my blood and here I am today!

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Some days I feel I truly make a difference!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Lackadaisical Leadership.
Lack of funding.
Lack of training.
Limited resourcs.
Loss of passion for the job!