Type of Organization

Other Response Agency Type

Job Function

Other

Years in Fire/EMS:

3

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Independent Contractors

Years With Department/Agency

3

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Wildland firefighting helicopter pilot, working for independent contractors.

My Training:

WORWAC 78-15, graduating with 78-39 (medical setbacks). Retired Army pilot (CW4), flying with 7th Avn Bn, 128th Avn (Korea), 25th Avn Bn, and with the Army Guard, 126th Med (AA), Co G, 140th Avn, and Det 1, 185th Theater Aviation Co. First exposure to aviation fire fighting was with the ARNG, followed by commercial flying for independent contractors.

About Me:

UH-1H/V, CH-47 C/D, OH-58, Bell 206BIII, and SA 315B (LAMA). Love to be able to continue flying until I can't walk or work anymore. Love the flying on fires as long as we're busy. After retiring, hired by a regional air carrier. Soon after, 9/11 occurred, turning the airline industry on its nose. Became a deputy sheriff, returned to flying as a volunteer, left for fulltime commercial flying.

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Job opportunity....came into it more by accident than intent. Contacted by an employer who inquired if I'd be interested. Wish I had done it years prior.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Few jobs like it and it's a great feeling seeing positive results of one's drops.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Finances, budgets, efficient and effective use of resources.