My Firefighter Nation
Chris Hixson
56, Male
Lubbock, Texas
United States
Profile Information:
- Type of Organization
- Fire/Rescue Department - Paid
- Job Function
- Captain, EMT - Basic, Hazardous Materials Team Member
- Years in Fire/EMS:
- 20
- Primary Fire/EMS Department:
- Lubbock Fire Department
- Years With Department/Agency
- 18
- Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
- Stratmoor Hills VFD, Colorado Springs, Co 88-90
USAFR, 302nd CES, Peterson AFB, Co 88-90 - My Training:
- Master Firefighter
Driver/Operator - Pumper
Fire Officer II
Master Fire Inspector
Level II Fire Instructor
Hazardous Materials Technician
Rescue Diver
EMT - Basic
Basic Peace Officer
AS Fire Technology - South Plains College - About Me:
- I had never thought about the fire service until I was in high school. All my life I wanted to be in the military, like my dad. When I was a Junior I spoke with my best friends older brother about the fire service. He had been with Colorado Springs FD for a while; he talked about the job, the guys at the station and the pride and satisfaction he got from helping others. This sounded like something that I could get interested in!
The high school I attended had a vocational program in association with Pikes Peak Community College and I was able to take Fire Science classes in the afternoons of my Senior year. Of course the classes were filled with firefighters, both paid and volunteer, and I loved listening to their stories and learning about the fire service.
After graduation I knew that I wanted a career in the fire service but I was unsure how to go about it. I wanted the best training possible, but I also needed a job. I opted to join the Air Force Reserves as a Fire Protection Specialist. I went to basic training at Lackland AFB, TX and to the USAF Fire Academy at Chanute AFB, IL. Once I graduated there I was stationed at Peterson AFB, CO with the 302nd Civil Engineering Squadron.
I got married and moved into Stratmoor Hills, CO (a suburb of Colorado Springs) shortly after starting a Pete Field. I then joined the Stratmoor Volunteer Fire Department. During the day I worked at Acme Fire and Safety, inspecting and maintaining fire extinguishers, kitchen hood systems and sprinkler systems.
In the summer of 1990 I tested for the Lubbock (Texas) Fire Department. My uncle lived in Lubbock and knew I was looking to get on somewhere...anywhere. I was hired and started in December of 1990.
Two years later I joined the Woodrow Volunteer Fire Department (a suburb of Lubbock) and have been with them ever since.
From 1998 to 2002, during my days off from LFD, I was employed by the Texas Tech Health Science Center as a fire marshal. (That's where I got my peace officer training)
I am currently a Captain with the Lubbock Fire Department and serve on their Haz Mat Team, Dive Team and Honor Guard. I also help out with their Explorer post. - Relationship Status:
- Married
Cody W. Nelson
Jan 24, 2009
Cody W. Nelson
Feb 6, 2009
Cody W. Nelson
May 5, 2009