nita

58, Female

ruston,louisiana

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization
Fire/Rescue Department - Paid
Job Function
Captain, Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS), EMT - Paramedic (or Other ALS)
Years in Fire/EMS:
15
Primary Fire/EMS Department:
Ruston Fire Dept. in Ruston, Louisiana
Years With Department/Agency
15
Dept. Web Site:
http://www.rustonfirefighters.com
My Training:
EMT-I, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, FFI, FFII, Driver/Operator, Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, ICS,
Interpersonal Dynamics of Fire Service Organizations(NFA)
Relationship Status:
Divorced
Facebook or Other Online Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/nitazachry
Why I Joined Fire/EMS
I can't say I dreamed of becoming a firefighter as a little girl. I'm 43 so careers like that weren't really anything I'd ever seen a woman do, especially in the deep south. As a child, I was a well-rounded mixture of girly girl and tomboy...and I still fit that description. I get my nails done, wear makeup and love a sexy dress and heels but I also love hunting and outdoorsy stuff. I was a florist from the age of 18-28 when I decided to do something different...and boy did I !
I went to EMT school, took the FF civil service test and 18 months later, I was hired at my hometown fire dept. The dept. had never had a female so, I was breaking new ground. I began at FF rank, then engineer/driver and now I'm a Captain/EMT-I. I have been in the dept. 15 years now and plan on staying for 25years. I have not only managed to co-exist with my co-workers, I have, in fact become one of them. I never set out to change the atmosphere of the fire dept. I didn't ever want the guys to wish I didn't work there. I have thick skin, and that has helped. I'm blunt and no one has to wonder what's on my mind. I was elected secretary to IAFF Local 4019 and I am also the fire dept. representative on our Civil Service Board. I enjoy the 24/48 schedule and feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.
Top Issues Facing Responders:
Safety, better training and pay

Comment Wall:

  • Mechanics2Capt

    Good luck on your promotion to Captain. It is a lot of work but the best job in the world.

    Aug 30, 2007

  • Christy

    thanks for the comment about my custody situation..my attorneys act like they have never heard of such a thing. You made me feel a bit more confident.

    Nov 16, 2007

  • Matt

    hey how are you im from Hammond in southeast la but my g/f lives in ruston ive stopped by yalls main station really nice station and equipment keep up the good work

    Jan 3, 2008

  • Chris Hayden

    I posted a comment for you in your section about EMS in your city. I am with a similar sized department in Arkansas.

    Jan 4, 2008

  • Joel Swanson

    Hi Nita & welcome to FFN!
    Have A Super Weekend & Take Care Out There...

    Jan 19, 2008

  • james woodson

    whats up nita want to be your freind ran across you photo on-line caught my eye you are very pretty like to add you to my freind list if you like chat back enjoy your weekend and be bless and safe

    Jan 19, 2008

  • Chris Hayden

    El Dorado

    Jan 19, 2008

  • Justin Payne

    just wanted to say hello from tn.

    Jan 23, 2008

  • Joe Desisto

    Hello from Everett, MA

    Feb 3, 2008

  • Micky Blain

    Nita I have been a firefighter here in north texas for the last 15 yrs. Wanted my son to take it up, but my daughter fell in love with it. She is on my page her Name is Kayla I am trying to get her to make some friend that are female firefighters. Can you drop her a line. She is very shy but can come out quickly. She is 17 and turns 18 in May and gaduates from High School.. Yea! Any way was reading your bio and thought she could learn something from you. Thanks

    Feb 17, 2008

  • Micky Blain

    nita,

    Thanks I have told her it will be tough because it is still very much a mans world. She will need to be physically and mentally. I don't want her doing it because I love the job so much. Thanks Again and be safe

    Feb 19, 2008

  • Justin Payne

    just wanted to drop you a line and say hello.

    Feb 19, 2008

  • Justin Payne

    how are thing in your world?

    Feb 20, 2008

  • Justin Payne

    good luck with that. hope everything goes good for you. be safe.

    Feb 20, 2008

  • Jay Britt

    Hey Nita whats going on , i found this site and then saw ya,thought i would say hey.

    Mar 24, 2008

  • KELLYVFD37

    SAW YOU WERE FROM RUSTIN. WE HAVE A HUNTING LEASE UP THERE OFF OF 147 AND 507. ANYWAY WANTED TO SAY HI.
    KELLY

    Apr 18, 2008

  • Amanda Schmidt

    hi, i saw that you are from louisana, where about is Ruston? Do you ride out on the fire trucks and ems?

    Apr 25, 2008

  • Jay Britt

    Yeah we all made it no problems,dont know if he told ya but but whitt passed his EMT !

    May 11, 2008

  • prettyinpink

    Hi Nita! Just wanted to send you a shout out! I just discovered this site and am so happy! My Husband is a Firefighter in Jefferson Parish. He's been in the service for 9 years. It runs in the family...HA!
    We also have family members in law enforcement. We are so proud of every single one of them!!! I am really impressed with your extensive career.... Take care and God Bless

    Aug 9, 2008