Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer, Industrial/Institutional, EMS/Rescue Squad - Volunteer, Emergency Management

Job Function

Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS), EMT - Paramedic (or Other ALS), Hazardous Materials Team Member, 911 Operator/Dispatcher

Years in Fire/EMS:

5

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Harborcreek Fire Department, Harborcreek, PA

Years With Department/Agency

4

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.harborcreekfiredepartment.8m.com/

Web Site:

http://www.ecema.org/hazmat.htm

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

East Erie County Emergency Communications Center - 2 Years as a 911 call taker / EMS, Police, Fire, Hazmat, and EMA dispatcher.

My Training:

EMT-Basic
EMT-Paramedic (Ending class sept - 2007)
Basic Trauma Life Support
Advance Cardiac Life Support (w/ Medic Cert)
Pediatric Advance Cardiac Life Support (w/ Medic Cert)
Essentials of Firefighting
Hazmat (Awareness, Operations, and Technician)
Emergency Vehicle Operations
Pumps 1
NIMs (100, 200, 300, 700, 800)
PEMA certs: 911 Calltaker, EMS Dispatcher, Fire Dispatcher, Police Dispatcher, Hazmat Dispatcher, Emergnecy Management Dispatcher.

About Me:

I began my EMS Training back in 2003 with an EMT-B certification when I worked as a Head Lifeguard at the Local YMCA. I decieded I wasn't utilizing my skills fully at the YMCA, so my wife and I decided to join the Harborcreek Fire Department as EMS only back in June of 2004. We were appointed as Fire Line Lieutenants by the Chief 6 months later.

Since then, I have obtained by Firefighting certification, Hazmat Certifications, Pumps, and NIMS training.

In Septmentber of 2006, I was promoted to Emergency Preparedness Coordinator of Hamot Medical Center. With this position, I work very closely with the City of Erie Fire Department, Erie City and County Emergency Management Agency, I sit on the Regional EMS Council Board of Directors, I am a member of the Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force Medical Subcommittee, I am a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and I participate in the Area Maritime Security Committee.

I am also currently in a National Regestry Paramedic Program and I am testing in the beginning of September.

Day Job:

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Hamot Medical Center, a Regional Level II Trauma Center

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Wanted to put my training to work.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Making a defference in someone life.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

1) Lack of funding to adequatly support the Fire/EMS service. 2) MVA involving appartaus that may have been preventable.