Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

President / Administrator / Commissioner, Training Officer, Firefighter / EMT-Basic, Driver / Engineer

Years in Fire/EMS:

14 years

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Westville Volunteer Firemens Association Inc.

Years With Department/Agency

14

My Training:

Firefighter I, ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 800, AVET, Initial Fire Attack, EVOC, Pump Operators, Firefighter Safety & Survival, Basic Trench Collapse, Intro to Fire Officer, Fire Officer I, Fire Behavior and Arson Awareness, HAZMAT, EMT-B.

About Me:

I joined the Westville Volunteer Fire Department on December 7, 1993. I have held the following offices: Secretary, Board of Director and Assistant Chief. I have been on more committees than I can remember. I have had a few CPR saves and was the first EMT in Franklin County to have a save with a defibrillator (1996). My uncle (Joseph F. Gratton) was Past Chief of the fire department (1960-1965) and was the biggest reason why I joined the fire service. We lost him on August 9, 2006. Other than that I am very active with the department and is one of my true loves in the world.

Day Job:

E-911 Dispatcher

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I live in a small community and wanted to take part in helping my neighbors. I also had family that was in my fire department at the time.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

the friendships I have gained over the years.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

retention of members and lack of incentives to promote people to join their local fire department.