Type of Organization

EMS/Rescue Squad - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

18

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Custer Volunteer Fire Department & Quick Response Unit

Years With Department/Agency

4.5

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Laurel Ambulance-Laurel Montana, Arlington Fire Department's Office of Emergency Management's Disaster Reserve Unit-Arlington Texas, C.E.A.S.A.R. Search and Rescue team-State of Texas

About Me:

As a Police Explorer when I was young, I first worked a commercial jet liner Delta 191 crash at DFW Airport in Texas. As I stood by working traffic control on the interstate, I could see first responders working the horrific scene. I felt helpless, a few years later I became an EMT-B and thus started myself in the EMS and Fire World. The incidents I’ve participated in that stand out the most to me are: Amtrak Train derailment across a busy metropolitan highway, Two different serious Tornado touchdown sites, Amber Hagerman Abduction case, and of course the Delta Flight 191 airplane crash.

Day Job:

Full time student MSU Billings Montana

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

To make a difference

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Most people run away from Danger, I assess it, then attack it.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Lack of funding, Training and Understanding.