Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Assistant or Deputy Chief

Years in Fire/EMS:

28

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Department, Elizabeth Borough, PA

Years With Department/Agency

Total 15

Web Site:

http://www.jhems.com

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Previous Fire Departments Bunola Vol. Fire Company, Blaine Hill Vol. Fire Company and McKeeport Emergency Medical Service.

My Training:

I have well over 600 hours of Fire , Rescue and HazMat. And have been an PA Certified EMT since I was 16, too many EMS hours of training.

About Me:

I have held just about every position in the fire service. I have been Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Engineer and of course Fire Fighter(GRUNT), and currently Deputy Fire Chief. I have held postions of Vice Preisdent, Recording Secartary and currently Director.

Day Job:

Emergency Medical Technician

Relationship Status:

Separated

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I hung out at the Fire Station so much that they lowered the age limit from 21 too 18. And then the Fire Chief said since you hang out here so much just join, so I did. And have LOVED EVERY DREADED MINUTE OF IT!!!!!!

Why I Love Fire/EMS

the look on some peoples faces, they say your crazy. You do that for free. One person a Psyhcologist said when people are runnning from something bad, you run towards it for free. YOUR NUTS. I was actually appling for a job, it was part of the application process.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

The decline in Volunteers. The State keeps upping the lenght of basic fire training and people do not have the time to do the training. Come on 166 hours. When I started it was 40 hours, sure I know what did you learn. Then I took additional training alittle at a time learned the thing.