Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter

Years in Fire/EMS:

6

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Mitchell Volunteer Fire/EMS

Years With Department/Agency

6

My Training:

Fire Fighter 1

Wildland certified

CPR/AED certified

About Me:

I live in a small rural town in Central-Eastern Oregon. Mitchell has about 120-130 total population but it also has a major highway running through it. Mitchell Volunteer Fire and Ambulance covers roughly 500 square miles. All done by volunteers.

Day Job:

Ranch hand,fence builder,other

Relationship Status:

Single

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I joined fire/EMS because I want to make a difference. I like helping people.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I get to help people.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

There are a lot of issues facing rural departments and departments all across America. The first issue is funding. I know our department receives anywhere from $500-$1000 a year to operate. We were lucky enough to receive a generous donation of $75,000 from one of our local ranchers. Another issue facing departments is lack of man power. I know this issue is extremely tough on small rural departments. We have 4 fire fighters on our department and we have 5 EMTs. I could go on with the other issues but I'll leave it there.