Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

President / Administrator / Commissioner

Years in Fire/EMS:

30+

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Rescue Volunteer Hose Co. #1 - Walden Fire District #2

Years With Department/Agency

30+

My Training:

Includes numerous firefighting courses at the county and state levels, FEMA courses and training in the building construction/inspection field.

About Me:

I have worked my way up through the ranks including 8 years as assistant chief and 3 years as chief. I have been commissioner now for 8 years. I am married with 2 children.

Day Job:

Supervising Code Enforcement Officer for Town of Cheektowaga

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

To serve the community and for personal satisfaction through such service

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Of the satisfaction one has after helping someone as well as the comaraderie one finds in the house.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

There are multiple issues including the ever increasing training requirements which make it difficult for volunteers to keep up. It is difficult to maintain staffing in a volunteer company and when interested people find out the time that must be devoted to training they change their minds.