Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic, Retired

Years in Fire/EMS:

37-1/2

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Ventura County F.D., California

Years With Department/Agency

37-1/2

Dept. Web Site:

http://vcfd@ventura.org

My Training:

A lot.

About Me:

Started as a Volunteer Fireman on April 10, 1966. Hired as a paid Firefighter on October 2, 1978. Retired on October 17, 2003. Still involved in fire service as much as possible.

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

While I was a working for a local radio station, I was going report on a fire from the scene. When I arrived, there was a quickly spreading grass fire heading into brush at the base of a large, steep hill. I was wearing a brand new pair of shoes, pants, and shirt, and carrying a small notebook. I walked toward the first engine I saw, and before I could say a word, the engineer yelled, "Are you a Volunteer?" I said, "No, I'm a reporter, and I'm here to get a story." Back in the 60's, we were lucky if there were two people on an engine, so that engineer's response to my answer was, " Here, grab that hose! We need help! Eight hours later, I had a first person account of what it was like to fight a fire. Not long after that encounter, I was invited to go down one of the fire stations about a block from my apartment and apply to become a Volunteer Fireman. I did, and I've never regretted that decision.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I got to do what so many kids dream of doing or hope to do. I made a living doing that, and went home at the end of my shift, feeling good about what I did. I am still proud to be part of the job.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

That would take up way too much space here.