Benjamin Lunsford

Profile Information:

Type of Organization
Combination Fire Rescue Department
Job Function
Captain
Years in Fire/EMS:
14
Primary Fire/EMS Department:
Upper Hominy Fire Rescue, Candler, NC
Years With Department/Agency
11
Dept. Web Site:
http://www.uhfire.org
Web Site:
http://www.wbfd.org
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
West Buncombe Fire Department 2002-2008
Buncombe County Rescue Squad 2002-2007
Buncombe County EMS 1996-2002
My Training:
FFII, EMT-Intermediate, Rescue Technician, RT-Ropes Technician, RT-Trench Technician, Haz-Mat Ops, Fire Life Safety Educator III, Driver Operator-Pumps, FFII Instructor, Rescue Tech Instructor, RT-Ropes Instructor, Haz-Mat Ops Instructor, LP Gas Emergencies Instructor, Live Structure Burn Instructor
About Me:
I started in the local Volunteer Fire Department in 1994. I gained my certification as a Firefighter II and EMT-Intermediate within 2 1/2 years. I was promoted to Training Officer and Lt in January of 1996. In January of 1998, I was promoted to Captain and then to Assistant Chief in 2000. In November of 2002, I was elected Chief. In July of 2003, I resigned from the department due to time constraints with my full time job and my teaching schedule. In January of 2007, I rejoined that department and am now once again active and a full member, looking forward to more years ahead.

I became an instructor in October of 1999. I made it my passion to teach others what had been handed down to me from my mentors. I received qualifications in FFII, Rescue, Ropes Specialty, Haz-Mat Ops, Live Burn Structures, and LP Gas. I went to work full time for Buncombe County EMS in 1996 as an EMT-Intermedate on an ambulance crew. After 6 successful years there, the opportunity to work full time with a fire department opened up. I went to West Buncombe Fire Department in July of 2002. I helped with training classes and worked on mapping the hydrant system in the fire district. In January of 2005, a position opened up with the Community College System as a Regional Training Coordinator. I had always had a dream since 1999 to teach full time for the colleges. I didn't apply the first time it was advertised and my Deputy Chief fussed at me for not doing so! The job was re-advertised and I applied. In June of 2005, I became the Western Regional Training Coordinator for the NC Community College System. I am responsible for 8 Community Colleges in 17 counties. There are eight of us in the state, along with our state director. I love what I do. I get to teach constantly as well as travel to represent the College System at local and state level meetings.

I have attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD five times as a student for the VIP program. Challenges for Local Training Officers, Management Strategies for Success, and Leadership and Administration along with the one-week class of Fire Service Course Design and two-week class in Training Program Management.

I have an Associates Degree in Fire Protection Technology and another in Mechanical Drafting and Design. I am currently working on my Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management.
Day Job:
Regional Training Coordinator for the NC Community College System
Relationship Status:
Married
Facebook or Other Online Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/benford1
Why I Joined Fire/EMS
I always wanted to be a firefighter since I was a kid. I actually joined the Volunteer Fire Department just to see if I could do it. Guess what? That was the start of a great career in the Emergency Services field!
Why I Love Fire/EMS
I go home after a call and feel like I have made some small difference in the life of someone else.
Top Issues Facing Responders:
Proper Training and communication.

Comment Wall:

  • Joe Totero

    I see you got a little Captain in you! Welcome to FFN. I just went to Emmitsburg last month to see the NFFF memorial. It was a very moving experience. Stay safe & sane! Hope to talk to ya later.
  • Randy Macey

    Check out Roll Call Groups and put some info about your Fire House in... Like to hear what your station is like, what you have as well as for number for firefighters as well as number of calls. Pass it around to your Firefighter Friends too....Easy way to located this group is go to my site and look at the bottom left. Short cut if you have a hard time locating this.

    Also as a Training Officer, theres the Trainers Corner too. Like to hear some of what your doing for training or what areas need to be addressed...

    Enjoy, and stay safe!

    Mace