Firefighter I&II, Hazmat Technician, Fire Officer I&II, EMT, Fire Inspector, Fire Cause & Determination Inspector, Fire Instructor I&II, Associates Degree in Fire Science, and many other continuing education classes through my years of service.
About Me:
I've been interested firefighting as a youth. In 1971 I got the chance to give back to the community when I joined the Virgina Beach Fire Department as a volunteer. When I was discharged from the Navy in 1973 I moved back to my home town and found I missed the job. I then moved to the country and joined the Shady Valley Vol FD. I advanced through the ranks to Deputy Chief. I also was the districts Fire Marshal.
I was moved back to captain when the district was able to make the position a paid position. My wife was cronically ill and the department did not pay for health insurance at that time and I had to give up my dreams of being a paid firefighter. I had no regrets cause I loved my wife even after she passed from her illness. My son however was able to become a paid Firefighter/EMT. In January 2009 after a vote of the residence of Shady Valley and Springdale FPD, the two districts merged to from the Saline Valley Fire Protection District.
Day Job:
As a volunteer I still work in fire prevention and educaton
I first got involved in firefighting while I was stationed at the Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach VA. I joined the Virginia Beach Fire Dept in 1971 and was a driver operator. When I was discharged from the Navy I came back to St. Louis MO, were in 1974 I joined the Shady Valley Volunteer Fire Department. I am still a member and enjoy my time there.
I have met many new friends and with heavy heart I've had to say good bye to, too many of my Shady Valley family and friends from other departments around me, we all sufforded through a fire that took our home and station. We rose from the ashes and built a new home. As we move forward may God watch over all my brothers and sisters.
Why I Love Fire/EMS
I love helping others and the friendship of all my brother and sister firefighters
Top Issues Facing Responders:
Departments in the rual areas are having a hard time of getting the dedicated volunteers now days. The requirments placed on the fire service are more then most of the new volunteers are willing to put forth.
Leonard (Rusty) Endicott
75, Male
Imperial Missouri
United States
Profile Information:
I was moved back to captain when the district was able to make the position a paid position. My wife was cronically ill and the department did not pay for health insurance at that time and I had to give up my dreams of being a paid firefighter. I had no regrets cause I loved my wife even after she passed from her illness. My son however was able to become a paid Firefighter/EMT. In January 2009 after a vote of the residence of Shady Valley and Springdale FPD, the two districts merged to from the Saline Valley Fire Protection District.
I have met many new friends and with heavy heart I've had to say good bye to, too many of my Shady Valley family and friends from other departments around me, we all sufforded through a fire that took our home and station. We rose from the ashes and built a new home. As we move forward may God watch over all my brothers and sisters.
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