Joel C Kelley

Male

Kurtistown, HI

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization
Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer
Job Function
Firefighter
Years in Fire/EMS:
Twenty three
Primary Fire/EMS Department:
Hawaiian Acres Fire Department, Kurtistown, Hawaii
Years With Department/Agency
5
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
Wheat Ridge F.D., Colorado.
Hondo V.F.D., Santa Fe County, New Mexico.
My Training:
FF 1 & 2, New Mexico and Colo.
Fire Officer 1, New Mexico
S-130, S-190, S-290 USDA forestry.
USFS I.C.S.
Holmatro rescue tools Cert.
EMT-B, New Mexico & Colo.,
EMT-I, New mexico.
PHTLS
ACLS
Hazmat Responder 1 & 2 Colorado and New Mexico.
CEVO II
About Me:
Too many years ago to count, about 20, My friend borrowed my folk's car to go on a date. While DUI, he totalled the car and killed his date. The State took no action, so I did. I set about to make things cosmically right by joining the volunteer department that responded to the call. They were the best! I could not have gotten better training if I had gotten into a paid academy. I made Lieutenant in three years and after two years in that position, thought I might try to go paid, so I moved to Denver. Four years trying to compete in that climate of "do anything to get the job", left me tired and burnt out, realizing I just wanted to Volunteer. When I moved to Hawaii this year, that option came again open, and here I am, on Engine Company 5-B in Hawaii County, and proud of it!
Day Job:
Mauna Kea Ranger
Relationship Status:
Married
Why I Joined Fire/EMS
To help get right with the universe and to give myself a challenge.
Why I Love Fire/EMS
Being able to make a difference in my community
Top Issues Facing Responders:
The disparity between union and non union departments, Guaranteeing good recruits in volunteer departments, funding in small departments with small tax bases, good training.

Comment Wall:

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  • Chad King

    Sounds like you have to be creative with the equipment to get the job done.

    May 16, 2009

  • Daniel Robert Garvin

    Thanks again Joel!!! Stay safe brother.

    Daniel

    Jun 8, 2009

  • Charles Becvarik

    Hey Joel,
    Sorry it has taken a while to get back to you. everyone says hello from Hondo. We just had the 4th of July Picnic at Station 1. It went well, even though we had several calls during the event. It was ok, you know how everyone loves to see us take off with lights and sirens. Oohhhhs and Ahhhs from the fans.

    Keep in touch and be safe!

    Charles Becvarik - NM EMS Bureau / Hondo FD

    Jul 6, 2009