Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer, Combination Fire Rescue Department, EMS/Rescue Squad - Volunteer, Other Response Agency Type

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic, Hazardous Materials Team Member, Other Emergency Services Staff

Years in Fire/EMS:

8

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

City of Black River Falls, Wisconsin

Years With Department/Agency

Three

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.blackriverfalls.com/area/fire-department

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Osseo Rural Fire Department, Osseo, WI - 5 Years
WI Dept. of Natural Resources, Black RIver Falls, WI - 2 years

My Training:

EMT-Basic
Hazardous Materials Team
Ice Rescue
Search and Rescue
Waterborne Rescue
Auto Extrication

About Me:

I am a 29yo Retired US Marine, having served 8 years honorable, and one year Deployed in Iraq. I caught the " fire bug" back in 2002 and joined my local Volunteer Fire Dept. Later that night, I fought my first fire, a trailer house fully engulfed. Since that day, I have striven to make myself the best Firefighter that I could be, joining a venerable Wisconsin Fire Dept. in the City of Black River Falls.

Relationship Status:

In a Relationship

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

After several years in the US Marines, I felt that any opportunity for an able-bodied person to help make their community a safer and better place. I found Firefighting to be a suitable profession given my military background. I became an EMT to add to my Fire/Rescue skill set.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I don't have to wonder if I make a difference, I know.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Safety in Operations, Budget Cuts and Manpower shortfalls.