BIG Firefighter Bear

56, Male

United States

Profile Information:

What State do you live in?

DE

Type of Organization

Volunteer Fire Department

Job Function

Other

Years in Fire/EMS:

17

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

None at current

Years With Department/Agency

20+

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

10 yrs with Dale City VFD; 11 yrs career with City of Fredericksburg (IAFF Local 2960)

My Training:

Fire Instructor 1, Virginia Dept. of Forestry Firefighter (HOT SHOT), Firefighter 1 & 2, Haz Mat Ops., EVOC 3, Driver Pump/ Operator, Driver-Aerial Operator, Heavy & Tactical Rescue (Confined Space, Vehicle, Rope, Trench), Rescue Diver, EMT-B, BTLS Protocols, Response to Terrorists Attacks, Recognition of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Elevator Emergencies, NIMS.

About Me:

" I AM "ME", either you accept me for ALL of me (faults and blessings, for we ALL have them), or you won't".
At 6 ft 4 in, I am tall and VERY BIG (like "GRIZZLY BEAR" BIG); buzz my hair (looks better stubbley), but its blond (FYI) and have killer Baby Blue Eyes (according to the women whom I know in my life, and mom); also have a moustache, wear both contacts or glasses (depends on time of day and situation); Hit the gym (4 -5 times a week at the station, have to keep up my "GRIZZLY Bear" physique); enjoy paintball, hunting, fishing, surfing, boating (USCG certified), horseback riding (Blue Ridge Mountains/ Fort Valley Stable), snow skiing, SCUBA diving/ snorkling, a variety of music, and occasionally dancing. Just relaxing.

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Initially was Law Enforcement (both Military (USAF AFSC 81132) and Civilian) worked K-9 Narcotics and SAR in Kent, Ohio (picture of my partner "BUDI" and I is on here).
After moving from Ohio to Virginia in 1991, decided to join the local volunteer department (Dale City VFD, thanks for the memories, gang... you're the BEST). Started out as an Firefighter/ EMT at Birchdale Station 10. Was then transferred to DCVFD Truck 13 and my hearts desire went to being a "truckie". I have come to enjoy the "Bull" work, goin in first, and tearing things up. And for my size, I fit right in. I was then promoted to EMS Sgt. upon the opening of Princedale Station 18 and was hooked forever to be involved with Fire and Rescue. Upon being hired with the City of Fredericksburg, I was assigned to a TRUCK Co. ( Snorkel 1, Ladder Co. 1, and then eventually Tower Co. 1) for 8 of the 11 yrs I was employed there. "Once a TRUCKIE, ALWAYS a TRUCKIE". I'm currently running with a dept. that doesn't have a Truck Co., but it's ok...... TRUCKIE's are multi-versatile, We ARE the "DO-IT-ALL" firefighters.
I am very devoted and dedicated to helping those in need, no matter what the situation or sacrifice, either on the job or to my friends in another state, and to my Law Enforcement and Fire and Rescue family, I have been and will ALWAYS be here for everyone.
Every day I get up and go to work, and try to make a POSITIVE difference in people's lives, but I also know I'm not God.... and can't save everyone. But I'm still going to try.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Making the DIFFERENCE..... saving a life, comforting a patient, saving the cat out of a tree

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Fire and EMS have a multitude of issues. One of the greatest is staffing. Whether it be volunteer or paid, crews are short handed, due to the economy, budgets, or the government. As an IAFF member, I know that we in the career community have many issues with the General Assembly, and as a prior volunteer and knowing volunteers, living expenses and gas make it hard to find time to run calls. Some people have 2 or 3 jobs just to make ends meet and don't have the time to get away to help their communities. Need to remember our "roots"... where we came from and where we might be headed.

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