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Nick Cates

Male

Broken Arrow, OK

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization: Fire/Rescue Department - Paid, Other Response Agency Type
Job Function: Firefighter / EMT-Basic, Other
Years in Fire/EMS:: 1
Primary Fire/EMS Department:: Tulsa, OK
Years With Department/Agency: 1.5 years
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations: Ripley Volunteer Fire Department
Oklahoma State Fire Protection
OSU Fire Protection Society
American Society of Safety Engineers
My Training:: Firefighter I
EMT-Basic
Rope Rescue I and II
Vehicle Extrication
NFA Safety Officer
About Me:: I am a Tulsa Firefighter and loving every minute of it.
Relationship Status:: Married
Why I Joined Fire/EMS: I want to help people, I like the adrenaline and chicks dig guys in uniforms. I've always wanted to be a firefighter/medic to do the most I can for people and the community in which I live.
Top Issues Facing Responders:: Training, FUNDING and FUNDING

Comment Wall:

Jojo

Hey Nick! How are ya?

Aug 7, 2007
katcraw

Hey there- are you the guy trying out for Tulsa FD? If so, I'm Katrina; the gal that has tested with you thus far! If not, I'll add you anyway, as we all need any support we can get in this field.
BTW- hope you get hired soon! ^_^

Aug 8, 2007
Amanda W.

Hey how are you? Thanks for the add. :~}

Aug 9, 2007
katcraw

I haven't heard a PEEP! I called Tim S a little over a week ago, and while he said he knows how I did, he , of course, can't say anything. Are you about crazy yet, too, LOL???

Aug 9, 2007
katcraw

DEAL- I'll call you, or you call me! Hopefully we BOTH made it! I saw David Thomas at the Burn Camp this weekend (he's going through Academy right now). Everything he said about it just makes you want it all the more!!

Aug 13, 2007
katcraw

Just fine in our neck of the woods! I called & t/w Tim S again, asked him if he thought it a good idea to schedule the written again in case I didn't make the cut this time around. He said there are going to be other written exams in 12/07 & 2/08, and that we would probably know something in Nov about our interviews, so we gotta just hang in there!

Aug 14, 2007
firefox

thanks

Aug 31, 2007
katcraw

I commented on your blog about it but YES! I got a callback for TFD, too! I take the psych eval & ladder climb on Sept 27th! How about you?? And WHY haven't you been out to workout on Mon & Wed?? I'm kinda outta shape, too, and getting back into this would be good for you! :)

Sep 19, 2007
katcraw

Well, it's kinda like a carrot on a string; it is technically within reach, but we STILL have to pass the psych & medical evals. I have heard it referred to as a "conditional offer of employment". So when did you say you were taking the psych eval & ladder climb?

Sep 20, 2007
katcraw

Probably as long as you still have a good range of motion, and don't show any pain you'll be OK. I would ask Tim about it, though. He might be able to tell you. Don't worry! :)

Sep 21, 2007
katcraw

Yeah- don't sweat it! But you're right to talk to Tim about your concerns; he is a straight talker and it puts you at ease about things. You should just get yourself out there & practice! The exhaustion clears the mind... ;)

Sep 21, 2007
katcraw

BWAHAHAHA!!! I am PSYCHED to be psychologically examined! I was told it could be an all-day thing, though, so be prepared for such a thing. I'll be out today after work to workout and tomorrow be there about 0715. How about you??

Sep 26, 2007
lloyd

hey man, you sound like you just hit paydirt. hit me bak, i'm also lookin for a buddy from "pentwater" MI???????

Sep 30, 2007
katcraw

OK- were YOU unnerved about meeting someone, and them to commence telling you about yourself?? He had me pegged! How did it go for you??

Oct 15, 2007
katcraw

Har de har har! I was SO glad to hear him say he thought I woul dbe a good firefighter; he DID say I was too "tenderhearted", so I have to toughen up attitude wise. OH- and I keep having dreams that I get a phonecall saying I have to retake the PAT, there was a problem with the paperwork, etc. I wish Academy would start tomorrow!!

Oct 16, 2007
katcraw

I feel better hearing you have the same thoughts somewhat; guess everyone has the same kinda fears, LOL! So are you able to workout at all, or are you gonna wither down to my size by the start of Academy? jk btw.

Oct 17, 2007
katcraw

MAN I am sorry to hear that- that was a great restaurant I heard!! Where are you thinking of putting in more shifts at? I know with the holidays the seasonal work will be plentiful. They posted my position here at work; I gave Dec 14th as my last day. NOW I'm just praying like crazy the pension board doesn't decide they don't like me for some reason, LOL. We would know anything about that in November, right?

Oct 26, 2007
katcraw

I'm as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, LOL! I just keep crossing my fingers and counting down the days here at work. I have started working out at TFD's weightroom after work; sure Tim would be OK if you wanted too, as well. Just gotta get "buff" again in time, LOL! So are you pulling extra shifts at your job right now??

Nov 5, 2007
katcraw

Well, I'm working out today at about 1600, and Tim said he would help me get a workout routine down to use. I figure Tues & Thurs about 1500 is what I'm aiming for from here on out. Can you make it?

Nov 8, 2007
katcraw

You know, I haven't heard a thing back yet; no news is good news, right? I have pulled a leg muscle bad, and am hobbling on a sprained ankle that is a pretty shade of purple. I am SO scared I have screwed myself, and am trying to just kinda "walk it off" or whatever. I understand everything you got going on in your life being so demanding- I hope you get to come out sometimes, though! It's definitely to your benefit! :)

Nov 19, 2007
katcraw

WOW thats some good advice! I didn't know our academic scores determined our station placement once out. So we should REALLY be taking our workouts more seriously- you running or anything? I need to do more of it, I know. And have you heard from TFD at all yet? I wonder when they will contact us to set us up...

Nov 25, 2007
Jerimiah Hoffstatter

Hey brother, how have you been? It's good to hear from you. We'll have to keep in touch.

Nov 30, 2007
Ryan

Didn't we go to Safety Officer together at Tulsa FD?

Nov 30, 2007
Ryan

Yep that was me at veh ext. They have changed that class quite a bit. I've been good. Working my a$$ off.

Nov 30, 2007
katcraw

No- I hadn't gotten an email about anyting like that. I'll call Tim tomorrow and see if he has heard anything. Thanks for the info and the pics were great, too!

Dec 2, 2007
katcraw

Hey- did you get the magical, fantabulous email about getting our uniforms?? I KNOW you did because I saw your email addy on it! YAY!!! I know you heart is probably jumping out of your chest too, right?? :D

Dec 5, 2007
Ryan

What up Nick? U working in Cleveland anytime soon?

Dec 6, 2007
Jennifer Cates

lol thanks yea i love my last name bc hardly anyone has it or its not one that you hear all the time!! lol or at least not in north carolina. Have a nice & safe day!! t2yl

Dec 18, 2007
Ryan

Hey Nick, Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Be safe out there. Good luck in the academy.

Dec 24, 2007
ERIC GOLDEN

WHATS UP MAN?
I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AGAIN. I HAD A BLAST WITH YOU AND HENDERSON. HIS BROTHER IS A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE

Feb 3, 2008
katcraw

Your pic on here makes you look like someone just flicked the overhead lights or something, LOL!

Feb 15, 2008
Ryan

Hey seen you in the paper the other day. How are the camera's working?

May 1, 2008
Ryan

well I kinda noticed that, I just thought with todays tech that the camera was just really small

May 3, 2008
Amanda

hey i just thought i would stop in and say hi. b safe

Jun 5, 2008
CHIEF NORMAN

NICK THANKS FOR THE ADD AND HATS OF TO YOU AND YOUR GUYS...

Aug 28, 2008
Amanda

hey you, i justed wanted to stop in and say hi. Hope all is well. stay safe!!!

Mar 15, 2009
katcraw

OK you have GOT to update your profile!! Later this month when you can say you are an RFEO! :)

Apr 22, 2009