Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS)

Years in Fire/EMS:

34

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

James City County, VA

Years With Department/Agency

28

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

James City County Fire Department
CSA Fire and Rescue
WSI Fire and Emergency Services
ITT Fire Prevention
Teng / Task Force Power Fire Inspector / Instructor / Investigator

My Training:

Too much to list.

About Me:

Retired as a Master Firefighter / Paramedic in 2006 and two weeks later went to Kuwait, then to Iraq, then to Afghanistan performing in different capacities from company officer to fire / arson investigator.

Day Job:

Husband and father

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

First to provide for my family while recognizing the job was more than a job----it was a higher calling.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

The challenge of finding the most efficient and expedient routes to save life and property while working with some of the best and brightest individuals ever.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

The growing lack of leadership in the fire service.
The need to bring US fire departments under one set of standards.
The relinquishing of "fiefdoms" in the fire service in order to recognize the common challenges the fire service face. Australia is a good example of a unified fire service.