What State do you live in?

PA

Type of Organization

Volunteer Fire Department

Job Function

Firefighter/Driver Operator

Years in Fire/EMS:

<2

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Karthaus Vol. Fire Company

Years With Department/Agency

<2

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Karthaus Ambulance (Driver)
Karhtaus Vol. Fire Co. Junior Firefighter Program
(Asst. Administrator & mentor)

My Training:

Pump Ops
HAZMAT Ops
EVDT

About Me:

I'm an Army vet from the Gulf War era D-CO 39th Engineers. It's all about family, faith, and community for me. 25yrs of the residential construction trades. I'm a 4th generation carpenter. I started building houses @ 13 yrs of age with my grandfather and have managed or owned several businesses. I drove 18 wheel tractor & trailer, both box van and flatbed over the road long enough to get my fill (almost 5yrs/ over 700K miles safe driving) I love living in the PA Wilds in a small community not too far from State College, PA (PSU). I'm originally from Manassas, VA famed for the Civil War battle grounds about 23 miles west of Washington D.C. I love to hunt, fish, and spend time with my wife and kids as well as my church family and my firefighter brothers & sisters. I am truly blessed with them all.

Day Job:

General Contractor

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I was asked to join our local company because of my CDL experience. Now you couldn't pry me away! Leading the way for my children to follow, and helping head up a Junior Firefighter Program at our local fire hall. It's all about the kids and the community that they live in for me...

Why I Love Fire/EMS

It matters... (and the adrenalin rush)

Top Issues Facing Responders:

1. Recruitment & Retention
2. Results the engaging local youth
3. Sufficient financial support and training
4. The firefighter used to be "king" and the king could do no wrong. Now it's all about the liabilities facing us.