Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer, EMS/Rescue Squad/Hospital EMS - Paid

Job Function

Fire Chief / Chief of Department

Years in Fire/EMS:

15

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Brendletown Fire and Rescue, Morganton, NC

Years With Department/Agency

15

Web Site:

http://www.bceoc.org

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

None

My Training:

FFI and FFII, ICS 100,200,300,400, NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800. National Registry EMT-P, Critical Care EMT-P through University of Maryland Baltimore County.

About Me:

Work full time as an assistant shift supervisor with Burke County EMS. Fire Chief at Brendletown Fire and Rescue. Work at the fire department 7 or 8 days a month (part-time). EMS instructor, teaching EMS classes and National registry Prep classes.

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Several friends were in a volunteer fire department. They talked me into joining. Once in, I was bitten by the bug.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I love it when a plan comes together. It is wonderful when all the training comes together and you take a terrible situation and handle it. Busting glass and kicking ass!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

The major problem with EMS is pay. The same amount of education will get you a nursing degree and about $20,000 to $30,000 more a year with half the responsibility. With the volunteer fire service, it is recruiting and retaining good people that are willing and have the time to complete all the training required from a modern fire department. The demands placed on all fire departments have increased to the point were even volunteer firefighters work as much as if it was a full time job.