Jason Koontz

47, Male

Madera, CA

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization
Combination Fire Rescue Department
Job Function
Firefighter / EMT-Basic
Years in Fire/EMS:
14
Primary Fire/EMS Department:
MADERA COUNTY FIRE & RESCUE
Years With Department/Agency
2 years
Dept. Web Site:
http://WWW.STATION19.ORG
Web Site:
http://WWW.SOUTHPIERCEFIRE.ORG
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
Pierce County Fire District 17
Pierce County Fire District 15
Washington Dept of Natural Resources
McNeil Island Fire
Madera County Fire
California Dept of Forestry
My Training:
firefighter 1, 2
haz-mat ops, on scene incident command
multi company incident command
wildland firefighter 1, 2
ICT 5, 4
Sawyer ops
saw boss, dozer boss, single resource boss
EVAP, EVOC, Instructor
Instructor 1, 2
About Me:
Ain't nowhere in the world I belong more than the drivers seat of a big fire rig, whether it be an engine, ladder truck, tender, brush truck, or ambulance. I love it all, and can't imagine anything better in the world.
Day Job:
Critical Care Transport EMT
Relationship Status:
Divorced
Why I Joined Fire/EMS
Dad became a vollie when I was little, and his station ended up being a second family and home as I grew up. Second generation fireman, nothing else in the world could be a better fit for me.
Why I Love Fire/EMS
Its the one place in the world I belong.
Top Issues Facing Responders:
1) The inability we all have to admit that while our fallen are true heroes, they're dead because someone screwed the pooch. Learning from their mistakes and sacrifices is the greatest way to honor their memories.
2) Losing the experienced firefighters we've depended on for so long, the ones that believe a firefighter is a firefighter, no matter union, paid-call, volunteer, or otherwise. The ones that believe this is the ultimate calling, and put everything into their craft. Losing them for the kids who's only interest in the job is "looking cool" and being a "hero"

Comment Wall:

  • Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp

    Jason, welcome to the Nation. Glad you dropped in to join. Lots to do, read and become involved with here. Dont be shy just jump in anywhere and get your feet wet. You will get out of this what you put into it. Your involvement here is important to us all. Have fun and look around.'

    Chief William Sharp
    Southern Oregon Coast

    Feb 18, 2009

  • Leo Cartwright

    Hi there Jason; Leo from Australia, Paramedic; Welcome to FFN hope U enjoy the site and gather many friends during your stay. If you read my profile and think that I am suited; please feel free to add me to your collection of FFN friends.
    I also collect Patches and badges; If U are interested and If U send me your postal address via my Email I will post you one of my State Ambulance Service Badge, (patch) for exchange of one of your service patches,
    My Email is lecar1@bigpond.net.au (LECAR1@BIGPOND.NET.AU) and/or my address is:-
    Leo Cartwright J.P. 246 Kay Street; TRARALGON; Victoria; Australia; 3844

    Cheers Leo

    Feb 19, 2009

  • Patience Ryan

    Hey Jason, Welcome to firefighter nation. it's good to see another brother from this coast.

    Mar 4, 2009

  • Tony P

    Thanks for the invite Jason. Your 'Top Issues' are very good, they show insight. Welcome to the FFN world.

    Mar 15, 2009

  • Tony P

    Our summer season was a horror. It was the one we've been waiting for , after thirteen years of drought!. I think the final death toll was 211 civilians and one firefighter. We've now had a fair bit of rain, so maybe the season has ended - we can only hope.

    Mar 16, 2009

  • Gabe Alvarez

    Hey bro , interested in trading patches? I work for Daisy Mountain Fire Department, just outside of Phoenix ,Az. please let me know if your interested

    Mar 18, 2009

  • GirlyFireFighter

    Hey sweetheart thats for the add.. Ohio just is what it is. If you don't like the weather wait a week if you dont like your neighbor tough shit get over it or move your trailer..LOL

    Mar 20, 2009

  • Gabe Alvarez

    Hey Hey, yeah bro thats cool, heres my info on the patches, ill send it out first thing tomorrow morning.
    Gabe Alvarez
    3623 N. 106th Drive
    Avondale, Az
    85392

    Apr 14, 2009

  • Leo Cartwright

    Thanks Jason I will take anything you have
    please include your return address
    Cheers Leo.

    Apr 21, 2009

  • Brent A. Ellis

    Jason, In my spare time I write comedy (used to have hopes of doing stand up comedy) I have a friend who did some time in prison once and now leads a solid responsible life. From conversations with that friend when he got out and during his years adjusting to life on the outside, in part, inspired the idea for the comedy piece I wrote and posted as the blog entitled "Life Can Be Funny Sometimes". Guess I ought to stick to firefighting and forget the comedy I'm much better at firefighting. lol. Thanks for your honesty though & Be safe out there bro.

    May 14, 2009

  • Sergeant 8 Timmy Sprouse

    Hello Jason
    I am Sergeant 8 and I was wondering if you would be interested in exchanging patches. Our company is in the process of making a shadow box to display patches from different fire and rescue companys and we would be honored to display one from you. Please let me know if you are interested.

    THANKS,
    SERGEANT 8

    Jun 9, 2009