Type of Organization

Combination Fire Rescue Department

Job Function

Fire / Arson Investigator, Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS), Firefighter, EMT - Paramedic (or Other ALS), 911 Operator/Dispatcher, Driver / Engineer, Retired

Years in Fire/EMS:

20

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Batavia Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

20

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

I have been in fire/ems since I was 15 years old. Started at Batavia Fire as an unpaid cadet just hanging out around the firehouse, then went paid on call, then full time until I was forced to retire. Also worked for Elburn EMS for a while, way back in the day when they were seperate departments. I have been a cop too.

My Training:

Fire Officer I, Firefighter III, Paramedic, EMS Lead Instructor, Fire Investigator III, Public Education Specialist, Public Information Officer, Fire Prevention Officer I, some other classes here and there...

About Me:

Full time, 24/48 on Red shift until forced to retire due to kidney failure. Now waiting for transplant and if I am not too old, or too beat up, maybe I can go back someday.

Day Job:

9-1-1 dispatcher

Relationship Status:

In a Relationship

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Emergency! Johnny and Roy. I always wanted to be a fireman since I was a little kid on the playground at school.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I know if even so slightly, in some capacity, I helped someone through a rough time in their life

Top Issues Facing Responders:

The ususal stuff like funding and resources of course, but more personally to me are the people who just dont get it. They just dont understand how incredibly awesome and lucky we are to have this job and the feeling we get for helping others in their most difficult times. Too many people out there today just doing it for a job, or recognition. It is about heart and soul, not dollars and heros.