Type of Organization

Other Response Agency Type

Job Function

EMT - Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

7 months service with Fire Buff Battalion (providing canteen services FD)

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Tacoma Pierce County Fire Buff Battalion -Tacoma Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

7 months

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.tacomafirebuff.com/Index.htm

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

EMT-B not currently working -National Registry Exam scheduled 7/16
CERT Member/responder

My Training:

EMT-B
CPR for the Professional Rescuer Red Cross
First Aid/CPR Red Cross

About Me:

I am a School-age Child Care Site Manager who just completed EMT-B training, with a passion for Emergency Services, especially interested in firefighting, firefighters, fire apparatus, fire prevention education, etc. I am a hopeless fire buff that cannot get it off of my brain. I am the Secretary for the Tacoma Pierce County Fire Buff Battalion (affiliated with the International Fire Buff Associates) where I am able to put my passion to work serving firefighters and first resonders. I grew up four houses down from a fire station and spent a lot of time there as a teenager. My little brother claims he became a firefighter 17 years ago because my passion for the fire service rubbed off on him. My grandfathers and several uncles are/were firefighters.

Day Job:

School age Child Care Site Manager

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I have been a fire buff since the early 70's, and have always wanted to be a fire department paramedic. In August 2009 I discovered the local Fire Buff Battalion and joined. We provide canteen and rehab services for our local fire department. As a teenager I knew my passion was for the EMS/Fire Service. My life took a drastically different turn when I was younger and I did not enter the fire service. The Fire Buff Battalion is my way to live my dream although I just completed the EMT-B class and hope to go for a Paramedic Certification after that and perhaps go through the fire academy too. I have decided to pursue the dream I once wanted because I still do have a passion for it. My interest as a child sparked my brother's interest and he has been a firefighter for 17 years. Now I live vicariously through him. I am also a member of the International Association of Crusty Old Jakes.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I am a fire buff and am pursuing a career in Fire Service/EMS because of the compassion and dedication that men and women everywhere pour into their jobs to protect and care for their communities. The brother/sisterhood that they belong to is an amazing thing in and of itself. If I never live my dream to become a part of that I want to at least do what I can to serve these courageous and compassionate human beings that risk everything for the greater good of the people in the communities they serve.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Budget shortfalls
politicians who confuse voters as to what they are voting for or against in the Fire/EMS levies