Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Training Officer, Lieutenant, EMT - Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

14

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

El Dorado Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

10

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

CAmden Fire Department; one year and two months

My Training:

I'm a Lieutenant/ EMT currently in medic school.

About Me:

I started out as a volunteer for my local department when I was still in High School. After school I took a job in a machine shop until I was 21. I turned 21 in Oct. and went to work for the Camden F.D. in Feb. A little over a year after hiring on there I tested and was hired by El Dorado fire dept. Since then I have gotten my EMT instructor certification and I have become an instructor for the Arkansas Fire Academy. I'm currently in medic school hoping to accomplish that goal and finishing off my degree so I can become a Paramedic instructor also.

Day Job:

None

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Started out as a local volunteer as something fun to do in high school. I liked that so much I decided to make a career of it. So 14 years later here I am an Lieutenant at my department.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Watching rookies at there first good fire, and talking with them afterwards.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Understaffing; Rising cost of living and salaries staying stagnet or not staying up with the cost of living; The unknown factor, whats coming next and how to deal with it.