My Firefighter Nation
Benjamin Lunsford
Profile Information:
- Type of Organization
- Combination Fire Rescue Department
- Job Function
- Captain
- Years in Fire/EMS:
- 14
- Primary Fire/EMS Department:
- Upper Hominy Fire Rescue, Candler, NC
- Years With Department/Agency
- 11
- Dept. Web Site:
- http://www.uhfire.org
- Web Site:
- http://www.wbfd.org
- Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
- West Buncombe Fire Department 2002-2008
Buncombe County Rescue Squad 2002-2007
Buncombe County EMS 1996-2002 - My Training:
- FFII, EMT-Intermediate, Rescue Technician, RT-Ropes Technician, RT-Trench Technician, Haz-Mat Ops, Fire Life Safety Educator III, Driver Operator-Pumps, FFII Instructor, Rescue Tech Instructor, RT-Ropes Instructor, Haz-Mat Ops Instructor, LP Gas Emergencies Instructor, Live Structure Burn Instructor
- About Me:
- I started in the local Volunteer Fire Department in 1994. I gained my certification as a Firefighter II and EMT-Intermediate within 2 1/2 years. I was promoted to Training Officer and Lt in January of 1996. In January of 1998, I was promoted to Captain and then to Assistant Chief in 2000. In November of 2002, I was elected Chief. In July of 2003, I resigned from the department due to time constraints with my full time job and my teaching schedule. In January of 2007, I rejoined that department and am now once again active and a full member, looking forward to more years ahead.
I became an instructor in October of 1999. I made it my passion to teach others what had been handed down to me from my mentors. I received qualifications in FFII, Rescue, Ropes Specialty, Haz-Mat Ops, Live Burn Structures, and LP Gas. I went to work full time for Buncombe County EMS in 1996 as an EMT-Intermedate on an ambulance crew. After 6 successful years there, the opportunity to work full time with a fire department opened up. I went to West Buncombe Fire Department in July of 2002. I helped with training classes and worked on mapping the hydrant system in the fire district. In January of 2005, a position opened up with the Community College System as a Regional Training Coordinator. I had always had a dream since 1999 to teach full time for the colleges. I didn't apply the first time it was advertised and my Deputy Chief fussed at me for not doing so! The job was re-advertised and I applied. In June of 2005, I became the Western Regional Training Coordinator for the NC Community College System. I am responsible for 8 Community Colleges in 17 counties. There are eight of us in the state, along with our state director. I love what I do. I get to teach constantly as well as travel to represent the College System at local and state level meetings.
I have attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD five times as a student for the VIP program. Challenges for Local Training Officers, Management Strategies for Success, and Leadership and Administration along with the one-week class of Fire Service Course Design and two-week class in Training Program Management.
I have an Associates Degree in Fire Protection Technology and another in Mechanical Drafting and Design. I am currently working on my Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management. - Day Job:
- Regional Training Coordinator for the NC Community College System
- Relationship Status:
- Married
- Facebook or Other Online Profile:
- http://www.myspace.com/benford1
- Why I Joined Fire/EMS
- I always wanted to be a firefighter since I was a kid. I actually joined the Volunteer Fire Department just to see if I could do it. Guess what? That was the start of a great career in the Emergency Services field!
- Why I Love Fire/EMS
- I go home after a call and feel like I have made some small difference in the life of someone else.
- Top Issues Facing Responders:
- Proper Training and communication.
Bliss Norville
Sep 1, 2007
Crystal
I miss ya!
XOXO
Mar 29, 2008
Crystal
Mar 29, 2008