Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter

Years in Fire/EMS:

10

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Reamstown Fire Company No.1

Years With Department/Agency

10

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

None

My Training:

Firefighter I; HazMat Ops.; First Responder; Truck 1; several others through the years.

About Me:

I am 33 years old and wish I had joined 8 years earlier as a junior instead of waiting longer.

I own my own business but have another part time job to full in some of the downward turn of the economy.

Day Job:

Certified Massage Therapist (the legitimate kind!)

Relationship Status:

Single

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Some family members were currently and previously in the fire/ems service, that was part of it. Also I love helping out in the community and I couldn't think of a better way. When I went to my first training session and then my first call I was set!

Why I Love Fire/EMS

because I get to help people, not only on fire calls but also through education such as fire prevention week

Top Issues Facing Responders:

BUDGETS, for career organizations and DONATIONS for volunteer ones, is a biggie!

Lack of volunteers and the amount of training(some necessary, most bureaucratic BS)that is required, and the sheer amount of fund raising it takes to survive when the cost of everything keeps going up!

Across the board the lack of real construction any more. Most houses are made of light weight construction that collapses in a shorter amount of time. Then there is the mixture of chemicals that is present in every single household now a days.