Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Lieutenant, Retired

Years in Fire/EMS:

30

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Akron Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

25

My Training:

Well, I started out as a Machinist at Goodyear T&R in 1971
Joined the OHANG (National Guard)in 1976 Helicopter mechanic.
Joined Akron Fire Department in 1978.
Went to Army Flight School (Helicopter)1980 at Ft Rucker Alabama.
Haz Mat- scuba rescue and high rope rescue 1981 w/ AFD
Paramedic (St Thomas Hospital) 1990
Adult Educator Fire Instructor. 1992 Various trips to Emmitsburg.
Promoted to Lt. in 1997- Eng 10 and dive team.
Fell through floor in house fire Nov 2003. retired 2004.
Still fighting with Ohio Workers Comp. 2009

About Me:

Happy on farm with wife, since 2007, in Kimbolton Ohio.

Day Job:

Pain medication tester.

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.raymccune.com

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Well I was working 6 day weeks in a factory with junk machinery and annoying bosses who thought I should thank them for my lively hood. Firefighters had two day weeks, and people seemed to like them. Everybody I knew thought I was crazy for leaving a good job for a city job, and taking a tremendous pay cut. Well, I am crazy, had the greatest job in the world until my little incident,and still have a great group of friends, and never would have gotten to do all the things I did. I did completely ruin my body, but I had a great time doing it, Better to wear out than rust out! Never expected the treatment I received in the end, but they are bureaucrats after all. The real firemen, are the greatest and the rest are, well, mortals after all.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Lack of enough people to effectively implement required functions of ICS due to small department size, not enough volunteers. Unfortunately first responders will, and fires have to be fought.