CJ

Male

La Conchita in North Ventura County, California

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Training Officer

Years in Fire/EMS:

Over 20 years total combined!

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

AMR/GV-SYV Cottage Hospital ER/formerly w/CAL FIRE - Riverside County Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

AMR (3), Hospital (3), Fire (4) Paid-Call FF/EMT & (5) Professional FF/EMT-D

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.rvcfire.org/opencms/index.html

Web Site:

http://www.sbch.org/

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

FirstMed Ambulance - 1 year
US Navy (R) - 4 years total - DC3 & HM3 - 2 yrs each
CAL FIRE - RVC - Riverside County Fire - 1 year
CDF - BEU - San Benito/Monterey - 2 years
CDF - CZU - Santa Cruz/San Mateo - 2 years
Boulder Creek Fire Protection District - 4 years (paid-call volunteer)

My Training:

Extensive and on-going....Firefighter 2 RN!

About Me:

NO regrets, just lessons learned, both in life and the kitchen! My love 4 the ocean is where my soul reconnects with reality. The kitchen is my other sanctuary where I am able 2 artistically create culinary works of edible art!

I served as a Naval Reservist for 4 years which was an incredible learning experience.

Presently I work full time between (2) Emergency Depts., the Critical Care Unit and a Med Surg Unit; as a Patient Care Technician (PCT II/EMT-D) both in Santa Barbara County. I work part-time 4 an ambulance company as a non-emergency driver. I am an independent EMT 4 Hire and work at the SB Polo and Racquetball Club, worked as a set medic and other various venues. I served for 8 years in the fire service starting out as paid-call moving into a seasonal position then a career position. Both distance and an injury on the job forced me 2 change careers; I was medically retired due 2 the injury. Now I am pursuing a nursing degree.

During my off time/seasons from the FD, I worked in the Hospitality field as a resident Innkeeper and breakfast chef 4 an upscale 4 diamond Bed and Breakfast 4 over 10 years. I gave 8 years 2 Amtrak, working at over 17 stations between San Diego and Vancouver, BC.

I enjoy doing volunteer work which is another huge part of my life. The Surfrider Foundation, Santa Barbara County Vintners' Assn., the SB Chapter of the American Red Cross and the SB County Medical Reserves Corp.

My love of cooking was a staple at the firehouse table, we loved to cook! Our firefighters’ association did a lot of cooking based fund raising; breakfasts, dinners and BBQ’s. I now cook 4 a hobby and am putting together The Firehouse Cookbook.

I NEVER enjoyed the "Institutional Style Chef". Cooking 4 friends and family was what I was made 4 including the occasional fund-raising event. Cooking tragedies; Using salt instead of sugar in a large batch of homemade pancakes 4 the annual pancake breakfast at the firehouse 10 years ago. It was mislabeled! Taste everything!

I have had many life experiences some incredible and some very difficult. I take everything in stride; keeping my positive attitude and outlook at life in general. I have a handful of people that I consider true friends and numerous people I consider acquaintances. I get along well with most; either you love me or you can't stand me. My personality is somewhat quirky and overzealous at times. I have had a hard time trusting others which has contributed 2 me being a "loner" the last several years. With my schedule, I really don't have a lot of time 2 give 2 relationships, which seems 2 be a problem 4 most. There is NOTHING I wouldn't do 4 a friend; day or night. I look 4 those who have a fire within, a passion 4 what life has 2 offer, people that can enjoy life WITHOUT games or manipulations! I look 4 QUALITY friends who hold things like integrity, loyalty, commitment and family as their TOP priorities. HAVE TO LOVE adventure, spontaneous trips and have patience; I'm VERY outgoing and a bit crazy.

My favorite things 2 cook....Breakfast Meals, Grilling, BBQing, Italian dishes; ANYTHING! Keep it real! Never the cook the same thing twice. Keep 'em guessing. Make EVERY meal an original meal! I am the undefeated Champion of the Real Men cook competition in the Best hot appetizer category 4 over ten years!

Supporting member of the IAFF, CPF, CSFA, NVFC, NAEMT & The Surfrider Foundation.

Come follow me on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/CJamz

Day Job:

Patient Care Technician (PCT)/ER Tech. - Ambulance Driver & Attendant

Relationship Status:

Single

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://allrecipes.com/Cook/13849722/Profile.aspx

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

The ultimate "customer service" position. Being able to help others in need when they are unable to help themselves.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Going Code 3! Kidding, sort of, helping others is what it is all about. The smile of someone you made a difference to.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

SAFETY and proper TRAINING!

Comment Wall: