Where are you from? I’m originally from West Virginia and just moved to the area in November. 

How long have you been a part of JH Fire/EMS? I just started as a fire inspector in December. 

What made you want to join? I’ve been a part of the fire service for years. I’ve always been on the operational side, and now being on the prevention side will be a new adventure within the fire service. I’ve always thought education is a huge part of the fire service. We actually had a structure fire last spring and the only person home at the time was a little girl around 10 years old and because of the presentations and education my department did with the local school she knew to check her bedroom door for heat. When she felt heat on her door she knew not to open it and went to her window, opened it, and climbed out to safety and to her neighbors to call 911. Talking to her really drove home how important the education aspect was and I knew I wanted to be in a career that would educate the public about the importance of fire safety. 

Did you have a background in emergency services at all? I was actually in the first “Junior Firefighter” program in my volunteer fire department. I took my Fire 1 class in 2008 and after being a member for several years, I had the pleasure to become a line officer for our department. 

What is your current role in the department? I am currently a fire inspector. 

What would you say is your favorite part of your job? So far my favorite part is meeting a lot of new people in various fields. It’s a great learning experience to be able to speak to experts in their respective fields. 

What about the most challenging part? The most challenging part right now is the abundance of new material I’m learning. I’ve been looking over the fire code, I’m in a training course for fire inspection and enforcement, and learning about fire investigation. 

What advice would you give new recruits coming into the department? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is an exorbitant amount of experience within JH Fire, so ask questions and gain as much knowledge as possible. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to someone if a call is bothering you. I’ve had calls stick with me in the days/weeks after responding. It’s nice to get it off your chest. Without a doubt, someone else has felt the exact same as you. 

What would you say is the most valuable trait for someone working in this field? I would say the most valuable trait is to be humble. Always continue to learn and never think that you know everything. If someone has a newer, more effective way to do something, don’t write them off because “I’ve always done it this way.”  I’ve been in the fire service for 15 years and I’m always learning something new.