Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

16

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Pittsfield, MA

Years With Department/Agency

2

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.pittsfield-ma.org/firedept.asp

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Lanesborough, MA Volunteer Fire
www.lanesboroughfire.com

My Training:

B.S. Fire Science Admin
A.S. Arson Investigation

About Me:

I'm 32 and married with 2 beautiful children. I started as a volunteer at 15, went onto college to study Fire Science and became a career FF/EMT in Pittsfield, MA in 2008. I'm also a part-time Police Officer in my hometown and own my own DJ business. Currently on the Firefighter Combat Challenge Team, training for the 2010 event in May in Marlboro, MA.

Day Job:

Firefighter/EMT

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

To live the dream! Became involved at age 7, with both my parents volunteering, and I have no doubt it will continue on with my son, now 8! There's no better feeling than helping someone in need or doing your part to prevent emergencies from happening.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I love the personal reward of helping others and truly love the job!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

With budget cuts soon to decimate department staffing levels, FF Safety will be the #1 issue for years to come!
I think training has to become more of a priority. We don't have the fires we used to, so the "experience" portion of training is and will continue to drop. It's sites like these that have to become an everyday place for us to visit, to stay fresh on the latest and greatest technologies and skills! Stay Safe!!