What State do you live in?

FL

Type of Organization

Paid Fire Department

Job Function

Battalion Chief/District Chief/Shift Commander

Years in Fire/EMS:

22

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Greater Naples Fire Rescue District

Years With Department/Agency

22

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.greaternaplesfire.org

My Training:

Fire Service Instructor, Live Fire Instructor, Hazmat Technician, FLUSAR Technical Rescue - 5 disciplines

About Me:

While at work I thoroughly enjoy getting out and training my personnel. It's vital for us to pass along our knowledge and train our personnel to move into our position when we finally decide to retire.

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

It's a family thing. I'm a fourth generation firefighter. My great-grandfather was a founding member of the Riverhead Fire Department on Long Island. What other job is like ours? We see something new every shift, we can get endless continuing education, and we can pass along our knowledge to incoming generations.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Deep down, we still care about people.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Multi-emergency tasking. Learning to be proficient at numerous emergency disciplines so we don't injure or kill ourselves.
Staffing (of course) - we aren't all as fortunate as metropolitan departments to be able to numbers on our jobs.
Cost of equipment - it's not right that small departments and departments in low income areas aren't afforded the same equipment as departments with very healthy budget.