Type of Organization

EMS/Rescue Squad/Hospital EMS - Paid

Job Function

EMT - Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

20

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Lake Sumter EMS, Lake & Sumter Counties, Florida

Years With Department/Agency

16 1/2

Dept. Web Site:

http://lakesumterems.org

Web Site:

http://sumtercountyfl.gov/fire/index.htm

My Training:

EMT Basic, Firefighter 1 certified.

About Me:

I started this job late in life for all that I was raised around it. I was 30 when I finally went to EMT school. I had been a volunteer FF for about 4 years when I finally went to school. I started working as an EMT about 6 months after I obtained my certification and have been with the same company ever since. I am still a volunteer for the same dept. I was in, back then, although we have unified and now are all under one hat instead of 10 different depts as we were back then.

Day Job:

EMS

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I have been around the fire service all my life. My uncle started Moyers Corners FD and I have been exposed to this life from the get go. Growing up I watched "Johnny & Roy" and got hooked on the EMS aspect of it. I have been an EMT for 17 years now and a FF for 20.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

A chance to serve and help people, to do what's right for your fellow human beings!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

From the EMS aspect, I feel that abuse of the system by an un-educated public is a HUGE problem. People use us as a taxi service and until someone comes up with a viable solution I guess we'll keep on suffering and the ER's will continue to be packed with people who haven't got the God given sense to go to a regular physician instead of using the ER as such.