Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Retired

Years in Fire/EMS:

35

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Edmond Fire Rescue EDMOND OKLAHOMA usa

Years With Department/Agency

23

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Crash Rescue US Army 1981-1982

My Training:

FF1, FF2, HazMat2, Fire Service/EMS Instructor OSU
Diver/Rescue Team, Blow Out Prevention OU, Emergency Vehicle Operator/Instructor,Rope Rescue 1 & 2,

About Me:

I was given the chance to test for Fire Fighter in 1978.I passed all the testing and was hired on April 3rd 1978.

I began as a fire fighter and was promoted to Driver 18 months later. I began learning everything, anyone was willing to teach me. I took every class, I could as you find out, you never learn it all.
I learned CPR and taught it through out my career to firefighters and to the public we
served. I tested for Lieutenant 9 times before making it. Yes the test was tough, written and facing a Board of Officers. But the best part was the challenge and, Edmond has some sharp people, it was tough, with just a few points difference from number 1 to the lowest score..

The testing done, I was 1st on the written and 2nd on the Review Board. I had made it and was I happy.
Better still was the fact we were set to open EFD Fire Station 4, and the Captains slots were an automatic promotion for us 3 new Lieutenants..
I was given our new Fire Station as my first assignment in 1995 and retire on January 5 2001.

Day Job:

Which 1

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I was tired of changing/moving from job to job, and was ready for a stable, job where I could help to make the world a better place to live.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

As a US Army Veteran, I love the "TEAM EFFORT" I call it "Brothers of the Badge.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

The knowledge that must be Learned is constantly changing, and must be updated daily. Safety is a big concern, as Fire Fighters are faced with, Haz Mat, EMS, Equipment, and a slow Government with regards to providing the proper amount of funding for the Fire Service as a whole. Local Governments can not often provide for all the needs of a small department.