Tell us about yourself and your recent work: I am married with an 11-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. I currently work as an electrician in the Cedar Rapids area, a job I’ve had since 1995. I have been a volunteer firefighter and EMT at Hiawatha Fire and Rescue since 2006.
How did you choose to come to college here?: I chose Kirkwood so I could continue to work full-time. I am currently in the Paramedic program. It is my first experience as a college student and has been a challenge, but I enjoy working on an ambulance crew, being in a position that truly makes a difference. I didn’t know much about firefighting until a little later than most, at age 30. But once I got a taste of the duties I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I have been working for seven years now, in pursuit of becoming a full-time firefighter.
Please tell us a little more about your studies: I took my EMT-B in 2006 and then my EMT-I85 in 2007, both through Kirkwood. I have also attended CITA (Central Iowa Training Association) fire schools at Kirkwood, and more recently began to help as an instructor at those events.
Where do you see yourself in another five years?: By then I plan to be well established in a career fire department. I have a good lead on a position with an area fire department and hope to make that official soon!