Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter

Years in Fire/EMS:

15 U.S. Navy FF / 1 VFD

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

East Wood VFD

Years With Department/Agency

1

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.eastwoodvfd.com

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

U.S. Navy Damage Control man 4805 Senior Enlisted Damage Control / Chemical Biological Nuclear Weapons Specialist

My Training:

Fire Fighter 1
Haz-mat Ops
First Aid / CPR
U.S. Navy 4811 CBR-N Specialist
U.S. Navy 9545 Law Enforcement Specialist
U.S. Navy Gas Free Engineer

About Me:

I spent 15 1/2 years in the U.S. Navy as a Damage Control man. As a Damage Control man you do everything from hands on maintenance of equipment, to pulling hoses. Once you become senior enlisted you handle the coordination of maintenance to training of the entire crew of the ship to be firefighters. Because if you are out to sea you do not have the luxury of calling 911 nor can you back out so you can just do exterior operations.

I am now doing the civilian side and learning the differences between the two sides. I am happy to learn that whether you are civilian or military brotherhood is the same.

Day Job:

Full time student

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I grew up watching Emergency. I could see myself in Squad 51 with Johnny and Roy going to help people. I never got it out of my system, and my grandmother always said that the best thing you could ever give is yourself.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Brotherhood, family, and the fact we leave no one behind.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Funds. Funds for gear, training, equipment. Training and the lack there of. People not wanting to do the training and individuals not wanting to take the time to be the bad guy and do the right training.