Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS), Other Emergency Services Staff

Years in Fire/EMS:

4

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

South Bend Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

4

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/city/departments/fire/index.asp

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Previous police reserve Elkhart, IN

My Training:

Fire 1&2, Driver/Operator, NR-EMT-I, Haz-mat tech, global awareness, Ropes awareness, collapse awareness

About Me:

I did construction for 15yrs prior to getting into the fire srvc. I still do construction...;) I love being a public servant. The people I work with are great! It is the best job in the world.

Day Job:

Fire fighter/EMT

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Life long calling that I finally answered

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I am a people person. I feel I have much to give back to the community. I also love the commeradery with my fellow public servants.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

I think the top issues facing our industry are funding for one. It seems as we are expected to do more we are given less.
The second thing, that is tied to funding, is as a public industry we have to become more accessable to our public. Most private industry listen to their "customers" in various ways. Fire and EMS has much to learn from private sector. We must learn or perish as a public entity. Govt can always out source us....