Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS)

Years in Fire/EMS:

10

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

MRFD

Years With Department/Agency

2

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

I have worked with several other EMS and Fire Services in Wisconsin and Virginia over the years. Also Search and Rescue. Prior to that I spent 8 years in Law Enforcement and 6 years in the Army.

My Training:

I have multiple background trainings and certs, to many to list here. Most additional training center on Search and Rescue including K-9 use and training along with Certifications.

About Me:

My whole life has been spent in service of one form or another to my country and or community. Currently I serve as Station Chaplain above the duties of Fire Fighter Paramedic. I still am active within the service although I am disabled from a fall off a 24 footer, besides age getting in the way, but experience is still there and ability as well as willingness to do. As long as I am not a danger to others, I will continue to serve.

Day Job:

Fire Fighter / Paramedic - Station Chaplain

Relationship Status:

In a Relationship

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.livestream.com/mrfdfirerescuetv

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

After my stint in the service and a little down time, I went into law enforcement. I have always been and was raised to contribute to my community. Eventually in the 90's I went into Search and Rescue. It was from there that I entered the Fire EMS field and have remained to this day. Working in both Virginia and Wisconsin, I have settled now in rural Wisconsin with a small volunteer service after being out in the Chesapeake Bay area. I have remained with this service for going into my third year sense leaving Virginia and have great hopes for our current mutual aid policy and county wide department practices, of which I hope to be a key player.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I can do the job and move on to the next, giving my life meaning renewed every day.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Communications, equipment, training, pay.... all of which lead to safety and professional mind sets going by the wayside. There is a real risk, if not out right danger to the smaller communities loosing if ever having qualified and or skilled personnel if the plight of the smaller services and communities is not re-examined and addressed. This is one reason we are attempting a "cooperative" approach within the multiple agencies here. It is exciting to hope we may be pioneering new frontiers in Fire EMS here.