Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter

Years in Fire/EMS:

21

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Burlington Township, NJ

Years With Department/Agency

8 years

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Delran Emergency Squad, Delran, NJ (Current) PAST-Endeavor Emergency Squad, Burlington, NJ, Burlington City Fire Department-Station 906

My Training:

NJ State Firefighter I & II Certified, Rescue Technician, CPR for the Professional Rescuer/AED, ICS through level 700, Hazmat awareness and operations, former EMT-B currently in class for it again.

About Me:

Joined when I was 16 years old. Took a leave of absence to get married and have kids. Went to the fire academy at the age of 26, received my EMT-B in 1999.

Day Job:

In Mgr. Training at PetSmart, Delran, NJ

Relationship Status:

In a Relationship

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

It is in my blood. My father, who passed away at age 60 in 2000, joined the department when he was 16 and was Chief Engineer and their main driver for what seemed like forever, and my brother has been a firefighter for 19 years, taking over my father role of Chief Engineer, which he still holds presents. There was no question whether to join or not, it just came naturally.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

The rush you get when you are putting your gear on an jumping on that truck!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Safety issues and the many challenges and expectations that departments are putting on many volunteers now. Some of them seem excessive while other are normal depending on where you go. Some departments require so much mandatory training that you forget whether you need it again or have to start over. Many of us had our training, over and above what is required, been in thick of it and are still here. Its seems like its becoming very political now.