Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS)

Years in Fire/EMS:

13

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Valparaiso Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

1.5

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.valparaisofire.org

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

www.lakedalefire.com
www.lofsfire.com
www.cpfire.com

My Training:

FFI/II, Instructor II/III, Inspector I/II, Fire Officer Strategy & Tactics, Fire Officer I, Paramedic, HazMat Ops, Tech Rescue Awareness, NIMS 100, 200, 300, 700, 800

About Me:

I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Kellie, since Sept. 2000. We live in Lowell and are hoping for kids in the near future. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. She supports all that I do, even if it means time apart from each other. I sometimes take her for granted, but I think she knows how much she really means to me. Don't know what I would do without her!!! We enjoy most of my off time together whether it be bowling, having a few cocktails or just relaxing together with a night at home. Our time together is the BEST time!!!I work for Valparaiso Fire Dept. as a Firefighter/Paramedic. I also work part-time as a Paramedic for Tri-Creek EMS in Lowell and as a Firefighter/Paramedic for Lakes of the Four Seasons. I am the Assistant Chief of the Lowell Volunteer Fire Dept. in my spare time(like I have any). Taking a semester off from Ivy Tech to get things settled at the new job. Maybe someday I will actually have a degree.

Day Job:

FF/Medic

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I began by joining a volunteer department when I was 18. Fell in love with the whole thing and decided to make it my career. Spent 8 years as a Paramedic for my local ambulance service before being hired as a career FF/Medic for a nearby city department.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

It's the best profession ever!!!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Funding...especially here in Indiana due to legislation put in place to affect property taxes which in turn affects public safety (in a negative way)