Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

19

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Pohakuloa Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

8

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.ffd263.com/index.cfm?section=1

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Priority 1 Air Rescue
Federal Fire Department San Diego
Federal Fire Department Hawaii

My Training:

EMT-B
Rescue Systems I/II
Haz Mat Tech.

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/Rob.Madrigal?ref=profile

Top Issues Facing Responders:

I think some of the issues facing responders are the many changes in the fire service over the last 15 years. When I started back in 1991, all we did was fight fire. As the years passed, we took on EMS and HAZMAT, implemented the Incident Command System, and now we face the challenges of terrorism and WMD. The culture has also changed in the fire service. I see a more professional environment where the young rookies are highly educated and motivated and are shooting for promotions as fast as they can. I think this new generation of young firefighters will make for some great leaders in the future, but hopefully they will take their time and learn as much as they can from experience.