Type of Organization

Combination Fire Rescue Department

Job Function

Fire / Arson Investigator, Captain, EMT - Paramedic (or Other ALS)

Years in Fire/EMS:

16 years

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Win-Bur-Sew Fire Prot. Dist. Winnebago, IL

Years With Department/Agency

10 years

My Training:

Fire Fighter III, Paramedic, RIT Officer, NFPA Fire Inspector, Fire Prevention Officer, FAE, Basic Fire Investigation, Vehicle/Machinery Ops., HazMat Ops.

Day Job:

This is my day Job

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Following in the foot steps of my father. He began his career in the Fire service and medical field before there was such a thing as EMS and then moved on into Law Enforcement. I have always known helping others and doing my part for the community.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Helping those in need, and now being able to influence generation Y.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

I would have to say the generation Y of the today. This is continuous battle to teach our younger fire fighters the roles, responsibilities, respect and chain of command. Don't get me wrong, the youth of today is a main stay of the fire service but things are not the same as when I started. My best words of advise to all the generation Y is keep your mouth shut for the first year and be like a giant sponge!! Learn from all of your peers!! You need to remember one thing, there is decades of experience above you and things are the way they are for a reason. Learn, train and learn some more!! We all need to remember that this is a BROTHER HOOD!!!!