What State do you live in?

CA

Type of Organization

Other

Job Function

Firefighter/Driver Operator, Fire Marshal/Inspector, First Repsonder

Years in Fire/EMS:

15

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

San Bernardino Valley College

Years With Department/Agency

7

Dept. Web Site:

http://sbccd.edu

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

1989-1992 Wilmington Fire Protection District (Illinois) Firefighter/Emt (#341) Assigned 2616 Rescue, 2614/15 Ambulance, 2611 Engine

1992-1994 Homewood Fire Department (Illinois)
Firefighter - Assigned: Ladder 550, Engine 534, Rescue 546

1994-1999 Glenwood Fire Department (Illinois)
Firefighter - Station 2 assigned: Ladder 444 Engine 456

1992-1999 Holbrook Fire Protection District
Firefighter/Lieutenant (353): Engines 354,356 (Officer) and Rescue 356
(Also ran with Chicago Fire Department 1997-1999
as extra on Aerial Tower 1, and Engines 65/69 - Bob Hoff CFD Battalion Chief in charge)
1999-2001 Fire Control Inc. (Nashville, TN)
Fire Inspector/Technician (Works with State of TN Fire Marshal's office)

2006-2010 Assistant doctor in training - RN/PA Student

My Training:

Mazon IL - Shabonna Fire College - Fire School
Kankakee, IL - Kankakee Community College - EMS

Certifications:
Certified Firefighter II (IL,CA)
Certified Firefighter III (IL)
Fire Officer I (Lieutenant) (IL)
Fire Apparatus Engineer (IL)
Fire Investigator I (IL)
Airport Fire-Rescue (IL)
HazMat Level II (IL)
Fire Prevention Officer I and II (IL)
First Responder II (IL)
Fire Protection Technician (TN,CA)
Emergency Medical Technician (IL)

About Me:

I am currently in the process of gaining my certification from the State of California for my Firefighter II status.
I was a firefighter in Chicago from 1989 to 2000, and then a FPT in Nashville TN and currently in California working with the State Fire Marshal's Office conducting testing and inspections of fire extinguishers and commercial hood systems.

Day Job:

Tutor for college courses including Fire Sciences/EMS

Relationship Status:

In a Relationship

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

My family have all been firefighters, my Dad started out as a Vollie, his best friend was the Chief of Dept.
My cousins are mainly fire/ems and 3 of my brothers were all firefighters. It's in the blood.
My childhood playmate is now chief of the department where I started out as a Vollie.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Nothing beats what you were born into......

Top Issues Facing Responders:

how to instill higher morals and character in ourselves and our fellow firefighters, and how to get more departments to see women and shorter people as equals. This job is no longer "just for the strong" there are many facets anyone can contribute to on a fireground.