Diana Speakman's Page

Latest Nation Member Activity

Feb 5, 2023

Years in Fire/EMS:: 35 years total as a volunteer, Emergency Communications Opertor Trainer/ Deputy Fire Marshal

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations: IAFF, NMIAFF, ICC, IAAI.

About Me:: I grew up around the Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue, when my father joined as a volunteer firefighter 🚒 when I was 3 years old. I started as a Cadet June 3rd, 1987. When I turned 18 I moved over to the active Fire fighting. Began taking classes at the New Mexico State Fire Fighter Academy. I was promoted to Lieutenant and ran the weekend crews for 8 years.Over the years I worked through many classes until I was asked to be an Adjunct Instructor for the following: FFI, FFII,L.P.G Emerhencies, Flammable Liquids, Structure Firefighting, Vehicle Extraction, testing instructorfor IFSAC certification. . I was a lead instructor for, Public Relations, Inspections. I was hired as Fire and Rescue Dispatcher on September 13,1994. When our dispatch center was combined with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department in 1996, I was promoted to a Emergency Communications Operator/ Trainer. On December 3rd, 2001 I was hired as an Inspector/Investigator, under Uniform Fire Code 1972 edition. In 2004 we were able to adopt IFC 2003 edition. During this transition we were able to get our name changed to Deputy Fire Marshal. I spent 15 years in the Fire Marshal's Office until my retirement October 31st, 2015.

Why I Joined Fire/EMS: Following my dad into the fire service just seemed like something I really wanted to do. My freshman year in high school was difficult, not going to classes, got in trouble for shop lifting, started hanging around the wrong crowd. During this time my dad was forced to quit his job due to high blood pressure. He saw that I needed something better to focus on and that's when he wrote the Cadet program in our district. Bernalillo County approved his request as long as each Cadet had a full fledged active firefighter. It changed my life and I had such an awe inspiring father and Chief. Yes, I was the chiefs daughter!!! When people started telling me I would never make it in the fire service; I made it my top priority and would tell them "just watch me". I also tried to make a name just for myself and not just the chiefs daughter. In 2010 on July 11th, my father passed in the cardiac ward of Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. I realized my mistake of trying to make a name for myself, and now know I shouldn't of tried so hard. My dad was Clark "Sparkie" Speakman. I lost a piece of my heart and life that day. I'm very proud to always be known as "Sparkette" for the rest of my days. It's been difficult to say the least after getting out of the active fire service when your running 90 miles an hour to zero. I know, I know, I'm not the first, nor will I be the last.

At 6:36pm on April 2, 2010, Leo Cartwright said…: Hi there; I’m Leo from Australia, Paramedic; Welcome to FFN hope U enjoy this site and gather many friends during your stay. If you read my profile and think that I am suited; please feel free to add me to your collection of FFN friends. If I have not added you as a friend, it’s because I have reached my Max and I am waiting for members to reply to me.
I also collect Patches and badges and would love to show one of yours in my collection. I am looking for Police, Medical, Ambulance, S&R; Dispatcher & Fire Service patches. If U are interested, or U know someone in these groups please contact me. My Email is lecar1@bigpond.net.au
If you fell like sending me one of your Service patch … don’t be shy….
My address is:-
Leo J. Cartwright
246 Kay Street
TRARALGON
VICTORIA 3844
AUSTRALIA

Cheers Leo

At 3:59pm on April 1, 2010, Dave Galka said…: Welcome to the nation Diana, stay safe

At 3:22pm on April 1, 2010, Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp said…: Diana, Welcome to the Firefighter Nation. I am glad you dropped in to join the group. Dont be shy. There is lots to do, read and be involved with. Your participation and involvement is important to us all.

Chief William Sharp
Brookings, Oregon