Type of Organization

Industrial/Institutional

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

15+

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Allied Chemical Corporation (now-Honeywell, Cola, SC)

Years With Department/Agency

15+

My Training:

Fire/HazMat training (monthly-Allied Chemical)
South Carolina Fire Academy (Annually)
Celanese Industrial Firefighting School (SC)
First Responder Certification (SC)
EMT-Basic (SC/NC)
HazMat L-3

About Me:

Born and raised in Va, and moved to SC to go to school, but wound up working for a huge Fortune 500 industrial corporation. Passed the Industrial firefighters exam and physical training. Completed EMS-Basic. Eventually moved up in rank and became Safety Officer for our crew. After completing my education, I am now a safety professional/consultant, residing in Chesapeake, VA.

Day Job:

Ocupational Safety & Health/Risk Management Consultant

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Always wanted to get involved in this type of work. I had no clue how difficult it is being an industrial firefighter/EMS and mutually assisting other volunteer agencies that had nowhere near the equipment/apparatus'/training than we did as a corporation. Eventually, I moved on to a better safety related position while I still had my back and mind... But I still miss all the action!!

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Comraderie/teamwork and just heliping others.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Pay and benefits.