Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Fire Chief / Chief of Department, EMS Chief / Division Head

Years in Fire/EMS:

20 years

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Helix, Oregon

Years With Department/Agency

10 years

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

District 12A Training Association
Apple Valley City Fire Department
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
San Bernardino County Fire Dept.

My Training:

FF2, EMT-B, Instructor 1 And you get the idea, 20 years of training adds up to a really long boring list of classes and certificates.

About Me:

Let's see, I grew up as the Captain's daughter, swore to myself that I would never work in the same station as my step dad because of the headaches that would cause. But about 6mos after turning 18, I couldn't stand to not be a part of it so I joined the local PCF station where he was also a Captain. Needless to say, there were challenging times but I wouldn't change it. I met my husband of 18 years in that dept. and got my first taste of the being a firefighter. The rest is history you might say. Over the course, I've tried to give up suppression because as a Mom it can be dangerous and little ones made it difficult to respond as much as I would have liked. I went into prevention and all the while my heart ached to be back on the engines. Following my heart, I returned to the suppression end of it and continued to work hard and to learn a lot. Recently I was promoted to Fire Chief. Now I'm REALLY working hard and learning A LOT! :) So in a nutshell, there's the Cliffnote version of my story. Zip me an email if you have any questions or comments.

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://myspace.com/trooperchelly

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

It's in my blood. My Dad is a retired Captain for the Space Shuttle Rescue Team at Edwards AFB. After experiencing the fire service through him I knew there was nothing else that would satisfy me.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

being able to help my neighbor when no one else can.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Being everything to everyone at any time and being good at it.