Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Safety Officer

Years in Fire/EMS:

25

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Belvedere Volunteer Fire Department Belvedere, SC

Years With Department/Agency

25

Dept. Web Site:

http://home.comcast.net/~belvederefiredist7/

My Training:

I became a EMT-Basic in 1982, and a AEMT_Paramedic in 1985, and I am FFII certified, a HazMat Tech, and have taken many extrication and I Incidnet Command courses.

About Me:

I have been a membr of the Belvedere Vol. FD since 1982, and I am currentely the Health & Safety Officer for the department. I worked for Aiken County Emergency Services from 1983-1086. I have volunteered with North Augusta-Belvedere Rescue Squad, and the Jackson First Alert Rescue Squad.

Day Job:

Augusta Newsprint Company TOP Safety Representative (a union safety representative)/Emergency Response Team Chief

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

My dad was one of the founders of our department. I also had an experience when I was 12 that lead to the emergency services; I was alone with my grandfather when he had a stroke, and from that day forward I wanted to help those who needed help.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Working with and helping people.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Creating a new safety mindset in the fire service, we are better than we used to be, but still have a long way to go.
Recruitment and retention.
Training the young generation of firefighters to be the leaders of tomorrow.