Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Training Officer

Years in Fire/EMS:

3

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Van Meter IA

Years With Department/Agency

4

My Training:

My certifications are: Firefighter I & II, Hazmat ops, Instructor I, Officer 1, Adv extracation, CPR Instructor for AHA, Water rescue, Ice Rescue, NIMS other trainings include confined space, high angle rescue, HLPE, advanced extracation, grain bin rescue, STICO, Railcar emergencies, calling the mayday. Member Iowa Fireman's Assn. Iowa Society of Fire Service Instructors .Field training staff Instructor for the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau. Rail Car emergencies Instructor- FEMA-FSTB, STICO Instructor-FEMA- FSTB

About Me:

I grew up in small town Iowa always wanting to become a Firefighter PROUDLY watching my Grandfather, Uncle and my Father who was either Chief or Asst. Cheif most of his career . As I got older getting to help his Dept. on grass fires and tornado clean up knowing one day I would walking in his shoes. I am very dedicated to the fire service as well as very Proud of my wife and 6 kids, funny thing most all of them want to become Firefighters.

Day Job:

Program Director/Instructor Vatterott College Diesel Mechanic program

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I am a 3rd generation Volunteer Firefighter. I love helping people and carrying on my family tradition and giving back to the community

Why I Love Fire/EMS

The Honor and Pride of the brotherhood and helping others

Top Issues Facing Responders:

The financial aspect not being able to afford up to date PPE, apparatus and inner dept.trainings as well as recruitment. Also those who call themselves firefighters who don't show the dedication, that don't make the calls, don't train and work to make themselves as well as their Dept. the best. To wear the maltese cross is something you earn and should be an honor to do so and not a given.