PALMYRA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Firefighter

Apr 2005 - Nov 2010

Firefighting is the perfect mix of adrenaline, skill, and a desire to help people. There's nothing quite like voluntarily running into a burning building. And there's also nothing quite like knowing that you've been able to help your community. Volunteering on the PFD was a demanding position, but worth my time on many levels. I think I learned more about teamwork as a firefighter than in any other position I've held. I also learned a great deal about empathy, as I saw things that would make one's heart sing and things that would make one's heart cry. Being a firefighter also helped me realize just what I am capable of at two in the morning whilst being abruptly woken from a deep sleep. Normally I'd be in a heavy fog at that hour, but when that fire bell sounded I was up, to the station, and had my turnout gear donned in under a minute.

Worked in teams in stressful situations to assist people in need, extinguish fires, and perform extrication
Operated fire engines, ambulances, and extrication equipment
Trained in teams for emergency situations
Organized, planned, and hosted annual awards banquets
Photographed accident and fire scenes