Andrew Orphanoudakis

Male

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic, Hazardous Materials Team Member, Other

Years in Fire/EMS:

26 Total 9.5 as a career FF

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Mooresville Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

1

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

I started in the fire service on my 18th birthday with Adelphia Fire Company in 1983, Dr. Harry Carter was my training officer and mentor. Since then I have been on a few different departments and finally settled in NC. I was a member of the Salisbury Fire Department and Rowan County Hazardous Materials Team from August 2000 through 2007. I am also a member of the Rowan County Dive Team.

My Training:

FF I & II
Hazardous Materials Technician
Level II Fire Service Instructor
Hazardous Materials Instructor
RT VMR
EVD
EMT
Swift Water Technician
PADI Open Water Diver
WMD Hazmat Tech Course Anniston, Al
WMD Bomb Course New Mexico Tech
WMD Radiation Course Las Vegas, Nv
STS Tanker Truck School

About Me:

I am 43 years young, married to a wonderful woman for 21 years with 2 daughters 9 and 16. I enjoy triathlons, hunting and fishing. I am involved with MDA through my job and enjoy being part of the community in which I work. I am currently enrolled at Coastal Carolina Community College in the Fire Science Degree Program.

Day Job:

Firefighter,Hazmat Tech,EMT

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Love Fire/EMS

The canned answer is it's the best job in the world, and I will never deny that but looking deeper it is the sense of satisfaction that comes from making a difference throughout a career and knowing that you loved going to work every shift.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Manning and accountability are two challenges facing firefighers in my humble opinion. The two seem to be directly related in that a department with a more robust roster affords firefighters on scene to share more of the workload, in return keeping multi tasking to a minimum resulting in better accountability and safety.

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