Mike Simmons

65, Male

Levelland Tx

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Assistant or Deputy Chief, EMT - Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

10

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Boyd VFD, Boyd Tx

Years With Department/Agency

10+

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Metroplex EMS (now defunct) Ft. Worth, Tx
Big D EMS, Euless Tx
Decatur Community Hospital, Decatur Tx
Roanoke VFD Roanoke Tx (6mos)

My Training:

Most training thru Boyd VFD, 3 trips to Tx Fireman's Training School @ Texas A&M University
EMT School hosted by Azle FD Azle Tx
Various fire/EMS/Rescue schools

About Me:

Joined Boyd VFD, Boyd Tx in 1985. Spent 10+ years rising to rank of Asst. Chief
Worked Wise County EMS 4 yrs as EMT-B, also worked part-time for 2 private EMS providers covering racetracks and non-emergency transfers in Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
Also worked Decatur Community Hospital as E/R Tech, Nurse Aide, ICU Tech. This hospital was originally EMS provider for Wise County & thus my 1st EMS job.
After leaving Emergency Services, I drove trucks throughout the lower 48 states & Canada for 10yrs. Currently, I operate heavy equipment (buldozer) in oilfield construction (so keep buying gas/oil, I need the work!) around West Texas. Married to Kathe for 10 never-a-dull-moment years, 4 kids; Evan 17, Delton 13, Adrianna 10. Michael 8.

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Just out of USAF, was home when mom's blood sugar crashed, had no idea what 2 do for a diabetic as I was overseas when she was diagnosed. Left a very helpless feeling I didn't like, joined Boyd VFD 2 weeks later. Besides I always wanted 2 be a firefighter.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Constantly being challenged (also lead to my burnout)

Top Issues Facing Responders:

As always, FUNDING!
Applying new technologies/techniques ESPECIALLY since 9/11 & learning to deal with associated threats.
Way too many issues, don't get me started!

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