Type of Organization

Combination Fire Rescue Department

Job Function

Captain

Years in Fire/EMS:

14

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Upper Hominy Fire Rescue, Candler, NC

Years With Department/Agency

11

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.uhfire.org

Web Site:

http://www.wbfd.org

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

West Buncombe Fire Department 2002-2008
Buncombe County Rescue Squad 2002-2007
Buncombe County EMS 1996-2002

My Training:

FFII, EMT-Intermediate, Rescue Technician, RT-Ropes Technician, RT-Trench Technician, Haz-Mat Ops, Fire Life Safety Educator III, Driver Operator-Pumps, FFII Instructor, Rescue Tech Instructor, RT-Ropes Instructor, Haz-Mat Ops Instructor, LP Gas Emergencies Instructor, Live Structure Burn Instructor

About Me:

I started in the local Volunteer Fire Department in 1994. I gained my certification as a Firefighter II and EMT-Intermediate within 2 1/2 years. I was promoted to Training Officer and Lt in January of 1996. In January of 1998, I was promoted to Captain and then to Assistant Chief in 2000. In November of 2002, I was elected Chief. In July of 2003, I resigned from the department due to time constraints with my full time job and my teaching schedule. In January of 2007, I rejoined that department and am now once again active and a full member, looking forward to more years ahead.

I became an instructor in October of 1999. I made it my passion to teach others what had been handed down to me from my mentors. I received qualifications in FFII, Rescue, Ropes Specialty, Haz-Mat Ops, Live Burn Structures, and LP Gas. I went to work full time for Buncombe County EMS in 1996 as an EMT-Intermedate on an ambulance crew. After 6 successful years there, the opportunity to work full time with a fire department opened up. I went to West Buncombe Fire Department in July of 2002. I helped with training classes and worked on mapping the hydrant system in the fire district. In January of 2005, a position opened up with the Community College System as a Regional Training Coordinator. I had always had a dream since 1999 to teach full time for the colleges. I didn't apply the first time it was advertised and my Deputy Chief fussed at me for not doing so! The job was re-advertised and I applied. In June of 2005, I became the Western Regional Training Coordinator for the NC Community College System. I am responsible for 8 Community Colleges in 17 counties. There are eight of us in the state, along with our state director. I love what I do. I get to teach constantly as well as travel to represent the College System at local and state level meetings.

I have attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD five times as a student for the VIP program. Challenges for Local Training Officers, Management Strategies for Success, and Leadership and Administration along with the one-week class of Fire Service Course Design and two-week class in Training Program Management.

I have an Associates Degree in Fire Protection Technology and another in Mechanical Drafting and Design. I am currently working on my Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management.

Day Job:

Regional Training Coordinator for the NC Community College System

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/benford1

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I always wanted to be a firefighter since I was a kid. I actually joined the Volunteer Fire Department just to see if I could do it. Guess what? That was the start of a great career in the Emergency Services field!

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I go home after a call and feel like I have made some small difference in the life of someone else.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Proper Training and communication.