"I'm seeing bad fires up here in Oregon over an arson. Evacuations and yes it's getting bad. Im on vacation up here and boy it's one thing after another. Maybe it's why I was placed here."
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
San Juan County Sheriff's Office, San Juan County Fire District 3
My Training:
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Washington State University 1983; IFSAC Fire Officer I, IFSAC ARFF Firefighter, NFA Leadership & Administration, NFA Fire Command Operations, Washington State EMT-B, EMT-D, Hazardous Materials Technician, Wildland Firefighter II.
About Me:
I first became a volunteer firefighter in 1988 after moving to San Juan Island. I joined Friday Harbor Fire and San Juan EMS after moving to the Town of Friday Harbor. After many years as a Lieutenant and then Captain, I was promoted to the Assistant Chief position in 2002. I became Interim Chief of the FHFD in August of 2006, upon the departure of the previous Chief, and continued in that capacity until February of 2007. On arrival of current Chief Vern Long, I once again became A/C.
I wanted to do something that actually matters; and I've always been a sucker for big red trucks!
Why I Love Fire/EMS
You get to meet a great cross section of the community; most of them are happy to see you.
Top Issues Facing Responders:
Skyrocketing equipment costs, increasing training demands on personnel. Volunteer retention as well.
Hi; and welcome to my page! I am a self-admitted emergency services addict. I work full time for the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in Dispatch, and in my spare time I volunteer at the Friday Harbor Fire Department, and at San Juan Island EMS. Up until last year, I also gave time to San Juan County Fire District 3, but eventually it all became too much, and I had to let something go. My girlfriend of 14 years and I live on a four acre plot south of town, where we enjoy an idyllic island lifestyle. I'm a 1/6th owner of a Cessna 172, and I try a minimum of once a week to fly around the block. I'm currently working my way towards a commercial rating, so I can fly more often; and get paid for it! If on the island visiting, feel free to look me up; just ask any cop or firefighter to point you in the right direction.
It was snowing lightly at my house this morning, but no accumulation; nothing falling here in town. I'm cautiously optimistic we can avoid being in the deep freeze this year...
dang no one like ya now adays or what tom...well how are ya surviven over there now last thing you left is it was cold n wanted it to warm up...hope it did hehe...take care stay safe out there
Hey Tom how are ya doing..just stoppen into say hi and hope spring brings you lots of warmth...take care n stay safe out there..not too much happening on the east side...
Forgot to add in my first response. I lived in Bellingham for seven years; loved every minute of it. Been trying to get back to that area of Washington for years!!! Mountains, rivers, lakes, and the great Pacific; the most beautiful place to live on this Earth!
We seem to have the opposite problem. Our county mutual aid team has the codes to our gates, but doesnt respond. There appears to have been some issues (I am not privy to the details) in the past with the Port ARFF dept and out county response team. Its too bad, several of the county FF are ARFF certified.
Currently, our senior captain is working with the local college to set up an ARFF program. We've already got a Mock-Up with recycled fuel capability and the college currently contracts with someone out of Seattle to teach ARFF course once per year. Several of us are working on our fire officer certifications as we hope to be part of the future ARFF teaching team here.
It tried to snow yesterday. But, we are still holding out. It is that time of year though, runway friction testing! Yes, a great use of my ARFF skills..... Oh, well, safety is job numero uno, eh. Is there an ARFF dept at Friday Harbor?