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Tiger Schmittendorf

, Male

Angola

United States

Profile Information:

What State do you live in?: NY
Type of Organization: Volunteer Fire Department
Job Function: Fire Chief/Commisioner
Years in Fire/EMS:: 34
Primary Fire/EMS Department:: Erie County Department of Emergency Services-Fire Safety Division
Years With Department/Agency: 15
Dept. Web Site:: http://www.erie.gov/fire
My Training:: Nationally Certified Fire Instructor
About Me:: HERE'S THE BIO THAT'S INCLUDED AT THE END OF ARTICLES I WRITE:
Tiger Schmittendorf serves as Deputy Fire Coordinator in the County of Erie Department of Emergency Services which manages three training facilities, 45 fire instructors and the training of 97 fire departments and 5,000+ firefighters.

He is a Nationally Certified Fire Instructor and a firefighter since 1980.

Schmittendorf brings 15 years of experience in engineering, sales and marketing management to marketing the product he loves: the fire service. He specializes in recruitment and retention, marketing, training and management consulting for counties and fire departments around the country.

He suffers from an extremely dry sense of humor and routinely makes an ass of himself, often in public.
Day Job:: Deputy Fire Coordinator
Relationship Status:: Married
Facebook or Other Online Profile:: http://www.tigerschmittendorf.com
Why I Joined Fire/EMS: I grew up across the street from the firehouse and was a part of it from age 8. I couldn't wait to become our department's first junior firefighter when I turned 17 and then an active firefighter a few months later when I turned 18.

I proudly enjoy helping people but any firefighter who tells you they don't love it for the adrenaline rush... is lying.
Why I Love Fire/EMS: In addition to the great experiences I've enjoyed as a volunteer firefighter, I've been blessed to be able to make a career of it. There isn't anything I'd rather do. This is the best damn job in the world.
Top Issues Facing Responders:: Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters.

I believe the survival and success of the Volunteer Fire Service relies on our ability to create more opportunities, for more more people, to volunteer less time.

Comment Wall:

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LadyChaplain

Christmas - Glitter Graphics

Glitter Graphics for Orkut, Myspace, Friendster

Dec 24, 2008
Aussie_Wildfire

Tiger I have 2 DVD to send you, could you e-mail me a postal address to you
Thanks Randall
house@bacon.id.au

Jan 6, 2009
Wes Anders

Your post on Thats why is right on it is really hard for anyone outside the service to understand the calling to support your brothers.

Jan 11, 2009
Bruce Mack

Hey pal, thanks for the steeer on the class in Erie Co. got the stuff in. catch up with you later

Jan 16, 2009
LadyChaplain

Myspace Happy Birthday Comments & Graphics

Jan 17, 2009
LadyChaplain

Myspace Happy Birthday Comments

Jan 17, 2009
Engineco913

Enjoy, it took me 3 hours to convince Crotty to let me photograph him :)

Jan 17, 2009
Kimberly A Bownas

Hey Tiger, Happy Birthday there dude. Sorry it is late but I missed that it was your birthday. Hope you had a good one....

Jan 18, 2009
Joe Stoltz

Belated Birthday wishes from Bristol! Hope you had a great day... old man.

Jan 19, 2009
John Rulli Jr.

Thanks for the add!!

Jan 21, 2009
John Rulli Jr.

LOL!! We catch some good fire! Its an old town So when we catch one its normally rocken!!
STAY LOW BRO, Rulli

Jan 21, 2009
LadyChaplain

buy harry potter books

Jan 27, 2009
Gordon E.(Tiger the 2nd)Kotars

Re: my original nickname....just remember who won the golf putting contest at the Fall Legislatice Conference, AHEM !!
Sink you veddy mooch!

"Tiger the 2nd"

Jan 28, 2009
LadyChaplain

Um excuse me... who are you and what have you done with the White Hatted Wonder?!

Jan 30, 2009
LadyChaplain

Chyeah. The BlueHattedWonder just ain't got a ring to it. And come on now, we have to prioritize -- a white hat is far more important than a smile. I mean, who needs that?

Jan 30, 2009
Kimberly A Bownas

I almost didn't recognize you Tiger with the blue hat. I have to say that I like the white hat on you....

Jan 30, 2009
Tiger Schmittendorf

I had no idea a blue hat could create such an uproar.

Back by popular demand and with a little help from PhotoShop:
The WHW !!!!!!!!!!

Jan 31, 2009
LadyChaplain

Although a photoshop chop job, it's better.

Feb 1, 2009
LadyChaplain

Our peer pressure was too much for you, eh, Mr. Schmittendorf?!

Feb 3, 2009
matthew

so your a golfer cool any other sports

Feb 4, 2009
Timothy Sendelbach

Tiger:

Thanks for noticing...some things take time.

Anyway, I'm glad to finally get involved and look forward to the many networking opportunities that lie ahead.

As for the writing assignment - we are honored to have you on board and look forward to your contributions.

TESendelbach
Editor-in-Chief
FireRescue Magazine

Feb 8, 2009
LadyChaplain

Hey Stranger.
I'm due for a visit. This time I won't be bringing a cake shaped like a tiger though... although you know I never come completely empty handed :-)

Feb 10, 2009
Duane N. Rockwell

Mr. Schmittendorf -
Hello Sir, My name is Duane Rockwell and I am the Fire Chief for the South Minden Vol. Fire Dept. My EMS Dep. Chief, Steve Kuck, has told me alot about you. I was wondering if you could help me out with some quick and easy drills that my guys can do on a drill night. Like many other depts, we face the trouble of recruitment as well as keeping the members attracted to training. If you have any ideas for some one night "fun" drills we can do please share. Thank you.

Feb 16, 2009
Duane N. Rockwell

If it is okay with you I would like to add your statement about brotherhood......patches....red white and blue.... at the ending to all of my emails. I will of course include your name and date as well.
Thank you

Feb 16, 2009
Bruce Mack

Tiger
Now things have slowed down in Erie County let me know your schedule on those dates i gave you, so we can meet up.

Feb 23, 2009
Wes

Tiger....Thanks from a fellow NY VFF for some great TVF articles I read every month as well info I can see anytime on FFN now. Life is just flying along at this point in life; the advice you offer often help make the most of those NY minutes. Keep it coming, stay safe...Wes

Mar 1, 2009
Bruce Mack

Hey were still on for thurs? Can i give you any help on your lodd seminar?

Mar 1, 2009
Bruce Mack

yeah thats it was it the one in hamburg? Did you make it to Friendship sat for the benefit?

Mar 1, 2009
LadyChaplain

Hey you... I have stories to share from my adventure to hell... better known as a Brazilian Steakhouse.... ewwwww

Mar 12, 2009
Dan Frontera

Tiger, thanks for noticing my profile pic, it takes a long time to get my hair to do that. Besides, the photo from the post office is only in black & white

Mar 17, 2009
Ben

Thanks for the add Tiger, I've been following your series of articles in The Volunteer Firefighter, very insightful! Keep up the great work.....

Mar 19, 2009
Scott Runkel

Hey Tiger,
I sent you an E-mail about 2-3 weeks ago about going down to WHFD in late July/early august. At that time I didn't know Dan had resigned from Hancock Hope and had asked you to pass the info onto him. I'm just looking to see if anyone else in interrested in going. I do have several people from my fire department and some surrounding ones interrested. I have already begun contacting Chief Jones and he's on board. I did make a trip in May/June of last year so I know what to expect. On another note I just wanted you to know that I am available for future deployments during times of need at the drop of a dime. Below you can find my e-mail and cell phone feel free to contact me if such a need is called for with Hurricane season vastly approaching and other various deployments with Hancock Hope.
Thanks Again,
Scott Runkel
Srmaverick2@aol.com

Mar 31, 2009
Scott Runkel

Sorry forgot my cell:
518-788-4252

Mar 31, 2009
Mandi

I read the article it was great! Thanks for spending time with the the boys. I'm surprised that you connected me to them. but not too suprised since you met my dad. My brother and I have some shoes to fill.

Mar 31, 2009
Scott Runkel

Absolutely,
I'd like to volunteer my services and be the contact person for this part of Up-State NY (Capital District)-helping to coordinate Deployments and raising awarness, funding and even help finding resources (Manpower and equiptment) if that's possible and if you are looking for someone to do that. I do have several people from my own department (Alplaus) and a few from surrounding fire districts interrested and willing to help out with Hancock Hope-specifically with going down to WHFD in late July/August unless there is another fire department or area where you think we could be of greater service. Just let me know either way. My full time job is with Mohawk Ambulance Service as a Paramedic so I have a great resource to pull from in terms of expiernced and willing people to help out.
Thanks

Apr 1, 2009
Bruce Mack

Nice picture in the Buffalo News today pal, I didnt see you on the news though

Apr 8, 2009
Cindy Devone-Pacheco, FireRescue

Hey friend! Glad to meet you in Indy and put a face with the name. Hope all is well!
Cindy

Apr 28, 2009
David Case

hey brother i finally have some time to network "FEWHH" What a couple of months great to see you in Indy. Make sure you mark your calender June 13 for 3407 party and 5k run should be a great time. stay safe

Apr 29, 2009
Jim Brunelle Jr.

Tiger, Great seminar today, thanks for comming out our way,sorry the numbers were a bit low on turn out. I really enjoyed dinner though. Would love to sit and do that again sometime.
Lets talk about Hanckock Hope soon.
Be Safe.

May 9, 2009
Jim Brunelle Jr.

P.S.
Was Glad I could be a co-host to a worker for ya!

May 9, 2009
Cameron Monroe, Captain, Argyle

Tiger, Thank you for the great cless today. I was glad we got envolved (thanks to Jim) It was a pleasure to be able to shake your had for all you do for us little guys. Hope to run into you someday again.

Stay safe,
Cameron

May 9, 2009
Cameron Monroe, Captain, Argyle

PS Nice Pics

May 9, 2009
LadyChaplain

Whoa! Hi-def picture there!!!

Thanks for the lunch again -- I'm surprised you didn't have a heart attack @ the table when I ate cow products.

May 30, 2009
Scott Runkel

Hey Tiger,
Don't know if you check this alot, but we've been missing each other's comunications. I'm still very intertested in helping get Hancock Hope back off the ground. I have about 8-10 other people throughout the Capital District who are interested in both my annual trips to WHFD and to be added to the list of the HH Emergency Response Team (ERT) for future deployments. I will have them E-mail if you think this is best. I've already showed them HH's web site and explained what I thought were requirements as per my discussions with Dan M-when he was Pres. of HH. I'd really like to connect with you and lay out some ideas as well as make sure I have my "I's dotted and my T's crossed". Like I mentioned in April I'd like to take the role of Logistics Coordinator for the Capital District area with regard to HH if that's possible. Let me know either way and I'll E-Mail you with a list of who I've got and what their Qualifications are.
Thanks,
Scott "Runx" Runkel

Aug 13, 2009
LadyChaplain

Anything new and/or exciting going on?

Sep 7, 2009
Scott Runkel

Hey Tiger,
Just wanted to up-date you on the Hancock Hope out of the Capital Region:
You probably having been getting some e-mails from people whom I work with @ Mohawk Ambulance Service and from local Fire Departments out here. That's because I've assembled about 10 people who are willing to join the Hancock Hope team-specially the Emergency Response Team. I've had them e-mail you since your like the acting director-if there is someone else we should be coordinating with please let me know. Otherwise, I'll keep having people who are interested in joining HH keep e-mailing you. Also I've been keeping records of all their training, including mine-so that if we do happen to get activated for a response, I can just make copies and give them to the people we will be working with. Also, not sure if you knew, but me and another guy, Dave Giokas, a FF and EMT, recently went down to WHFD in late July/August for 9 days to help out Chief Jones. It was my second year and we've been invited back next year-so I'm planing to have my team (10 people) come down with us to give them some idea exactly what HH does. If you have a up & coming event even if it's local we'd love to join. Also if there are any projects (ie raising awareness, raising funds and collecting donated equipment, etc) that you would like for my team to under-take just let me know. Like I said back in March/April I'm really looking forward to helping HH get back off the ground and I have a team of about 10 people who are rip', roaring and ready to go. Thought I'd just shoot a message to you-since I haven't heard from you in a while.
Thanks and God Bless,
Scott

Oct 8, 2009
Bradley c1507

a friend of mine showed me a video of the pipes and drums it was so awsome to see and hear them preform it was breath taken by the way how is the dennis allen project doing ? god speed and peace be with you my brother

Oct 18, 2009
Scott Runkel

Hey Tiger,
I know your very busy so I'll keep this short. I plan on having an informational meeting about Hancock Hope at my Fire Department's station (Alplaus, located within Schenectady County, Town of Glenville) within the next month or so to discuss the next trip to West Hancock next July/August. I also have a lot people interested in joining Hancock Hope, who may not be able to go on the trip, and will be providing them with as much info as I know. I was wondering if you'd be in the area or be willing to be our guest speaker. I know I had talked with Dan Mackajena (old HH president) about 2 years ago about coming out here and doing the same thing, but then he resigned, so it all fell through. Anyways, it would be on a weekend, mostly likely a Saturday or Sunday in November, with a Power-Point presentation of HH's Mission statement, pictures that I've taken during my trips to WHFD, and some other things. Also Lunch will be provided. Let me know if your interested and if so, what weekends would work well with you.
I appreciate it and look forward to hearing from you.

Lt. Scott G. Runkel
Paramedic/Fire-Fighter
Town of Glenville Fire District #2
Alplaus Station
(518)-788-4252
Srmaverick2@aol.com

Oct 18, 2009
Justin Scott

just stopping by to say hello, be safe out there brother

Oct 19, 2009
Norman E. Flanders

Hi Tiger, Thanks for the invite.
Stay safe, train often and share knowledge.
Norm

Dec 28, 2009