The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Introductions
I suppose I need to start the first discussion. How about we all introduce ourselves, and hopefully others will follow suit when they join. My name is Andrew Marinik, I graduated from lake State in 2003 with a BS in Fire Science and a BS in Chemistry. I am currently employed by the Virgina Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech) as a researcher in the field of hazardous materials transportation. On the side I run with the Blacksburg Fire Department, and currently serve as a company officer (Lieutenant).
I started this group for two reasons; primarily to facilitate discussion amongst students and alumni, and secondly to generate more publicity about the program at Lake State. As for the discussion, I think there will be more value for some than others. Many of you have probable grown up with family in the service, and probably worked with a local department prior to starting school. In that sense, you may not have a lot of questions about the service outside of school, or at least you have someone you can talk to. For those of you like me, no family history in the service and no experience before school. I would have liked the opportunity to ask questions, and discuss interests in an open forum. In either case, I hope this group can be beneficial for everyone. At the very least, I hope that as we attract more alumni members (and some of you graduate) we can create a group to help people find employment opportunities, internships, etc through networking.
So please, chime in, let us know if you are a student or alum, year you graduate(d), emphasis (generalist, HazMat, Engineering Tech.). Also, please don't hesitate to start threads to discuss your interests.
Thanks for joining,
Andrew
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ben Zoppa on
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Wow. So you are my predecessor in the Chemistry/ FS double bachelor's! I graduated in 2009, and currently reside in the Soo as a Chemical Engineer at a place called Innovative Composites, Inc. I am essentially an R and D chemist in charge of our fire retardant branch, but i have to deal with engineers a lot so they gave me that title. Must have felt sorry for me. Any who, I am also a volunteer fire fighter with Bay Mills Twp. Fire-Rescue, where i serve as Training Officer. I also have some loose affiliations with the Sugar Island Twp. FD, as I spend a lot of time over there.
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Permalink Reply by Nick Vaught on
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Well, I'm Nick vaught and I have a BS in fire science with a minor in Paramedic tech from Lake State. I work for the City of Sault Ste Marie Fire Department as a Fire fighter/paramedic. I have been there for six and 1/2 years. I also just started teaching at Lake state, I teach some of the classes for the fire fighter certification class. I am also on the Chippewa County Hazmat team as a Hazmat tech team leader. I also hold the rank of Captain on the Soo township Fire department.
I have 2 kids aged 9 and 17 months and have been marrried for two years. I live in Sault Ste Marie and love it. I hunt and enjoy being outdoors. -
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Permalink Reply by James Schaefer on
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My name is Jim Schaefer and I graduated from LSSU with a Generalist degree in 1995. I spent over 12 years as a career firefighter in Defiance OH, and a volunteer on and off for 7 yrs. before thatI came back to LSSU as a Assistant Professor in the Fire Science Program in 2007. I have a MA and PhD from the University of Toledo. Though my advanced degrees are in history, I have been able to incorporate both discplines; in other words, I am making a good niche for myself at LSSU. I have just recently applied to be a volunteer once again with Soo Twp. FD. I think the burnt out behavior is finally gone (hopefully).
I will try my best to post jobs on this site, as it will be a good opportunity for those looking for jobs to find something unique. I also will try and post updates on the program as it continues to grow. We currently have over 150 students. The highest number of fire students LSSU has ever had. -
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Permalink Reply by Kristopher Shirtz on
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My name is Kristopher Shirtz I was a graduate of LSSU in 2009 with a BS in Fire Science, minor in Public Admin. Born and raised in Marquette Mi. where I now work as a full time firefighter as well as working for the search and rescue for the county. On our department, the last couple of hires have been LSSU students so keep your eyes out for any openings that may come up soon. Before I was hired onto Marquette City I worked as a security guard for the college, and worked a public safety roll at a place called the Huron Mountain Club where I headed up their own EMS and worked with fellow firefighters and security guards. Also volunteered with the surrounding township fire and ems (Powell Township) I did this for at least four years. During those fours years I also worked with the DNRE wildland fire teams called Keymans were one travels all over the state and even out of state if needed.
Always willing to help fellow firefighters and students from LSSU.
Kris (Be Safe) -
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Permalink Reply by Scott LaBonte on
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Greetings, my name is Scott LaBonte. I graduated from LSSU in 1999 with a B.S. in Fire Science-Generalist and a minor in LE. I presently work at the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department where I have been for the past 10+ years. My current rank with SSMFD is Engineer. I also teach EMS (MFR, EMT-B, and EMT-P) at LSSU in the CJ/FS/EMS Department. I am married and the Father of three lovely daughters... I recently received training through the MSP's Fire Investigator I program and am working towards becoming a CFI after I complete the necessary objectives. I am always open to questions, or extending an open hand for help, so let me know if there is anything I can do for you!!!! Have a great day!!! Stay Safe!!!
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Permalink Reply by A. Marinik on
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Welcome Scott. It's nice to have a new face here (since September that is). If you know of other Laker Fire Science grads let them know. The more we have the greater the value of the group. Join in the discussions or start you're own.
-Andrew -
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