Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Battalion Chief / Division Chief

Years in Fire/EMS:

32

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

FCFS

Years With Department/Agency

11

My Training:

Certified Instructor, Command, Advanced, and Basic Operations, Shipboard, Airport, and Rail Operations, HAzMat Responce, High-Rise, EOC, Counter-Terrorism

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Being a first generation Firefighter - this was something that I also as a young boy wanted. The ability to help others in need.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Top Issues facing todays responders has to be roster manning to work with budget cutting through out the United States. Along with the non consistance through out. Example some states follow NFPA and others follow ISO in manning of responce vehicles. What needs to be the norm is a basic outline of a minimum of 4 on an engine and 5 on a truck. This will help in the cut down of waiting to comply with the two-in-two out rule. Along with the budgeting problems the need to seperate Fire and EMS is a must. The use of engines and trucks to be an ambulance chaser is NUTS. Unless an MVA where a tool is needed or a washdown is present. Why would you want to put more equipment, and manpower at risk for a "Ive fallen and can't get up" call.