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*Moderators/Writers

Salutations! I am Rebecca Richardson (aka “Ladyfirefighter”) and I am one of the moderators here at FFF. I am a former firefighter/EMT in South Florida. In the past I have served with Alachua County Fire Rescue Reserves and Isles of Capri Fire Rescue. I have also taught first aid and CPR for both the American Red Cross and the American Heart Assc. I also worked as an Emergency Room Technician in a busy Level II Trauma Center. I am unable to work actively in an emergency room or prehospital setting due to developing an allergy to latex. I now keep busy with my writing. I have written articles for several Internet websites, including Firefightersforums, FireRescueOnline, and Firefighting.com. You can visit my Homepage at http://www.ladyfirefighter.com

Hi! My screen name is "Truckie from Missouri". My real name is Ken Scofield. I'm married with two wonderful children. I am a third generation firefighter, so I guess I was raised in the firehouse. Maybe it's in my DNA! I started off as a volunteer in Camdenton, MO, where I stayed for over seven years. Then I was hired away to St. Joseph, MO. I worked there for about two years, and then I moved to Central Jackson Co. FPD in Blue Springs, MO, in the eastern suburbs of Kansas City, MO. I work on Ladder Company No. 1, and will soon be completing my paramedic course. I also serve as the fire district's webmaster. Check out our page at when you get time!

Mike Gentili retired in 2002 as captain of E-1 after 30 years with the New Bedford, MA Fire Department . Assigned to ladder companies for 17 years, engine companies for 8 years, and commanded the department Training Division for 5 years. A Massachusetts Certified Fire Instructor, he is a former Fire Instructor and the Advanced Firefighting Coordinator at the Barnstable County Fire Rescue Training Academy. Fire service interests include, fire suppression tactics, engine and ladder company operations, and firefighter training.
Mike now lives in Berlin, NH with his wife Lin enjoying the many outdoor activities available in the area and looking forward to the visits from his children and grandchildren.

Phoenix Hi my name is Wendy Norris. I live in Houston, TX. I currently working as President & CEO of Fear Not Firefighter Ministries, a nonprofit, support services organization for emergency service workers. Along with the Corps of Chaplains, Therapists, I assist with counseling, PTSD support, crisis intervention and assistance along with assisting the other emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of the emergency worker. I worked within the emergency services as both firefighter and medic for almost eight years until I had to retire due to a line of duty injury. I specialized in Industrial Firefighting & Rescue. In college I studied Fire Science and psychology. I also did some study in Criminal Justice, I wanted to eventually work in Arson! I have also served departments as a Chaplain, counselor, and a CISD team member. I am currently pursuing my Master's in Divinity.

Keith Newburn - I am a third generation Vol. FF from east Tx .I tried to keep my feelings about being a FF hid to long to get on with a paid department.(I broke out of the age restrictions)I have been a FF/EMT with the Bullard Fire Department for 11 years.I served 5 of those years as Capt. I am now Lt./Training Officer for the dept.I have been an EMT for 8 years now and serve as a guest instructor for numerous area fire schools.I am currently certified as a Low to High Angle Rescue Technician,Confined Space Entry Tech. and OSHA Certified "Competent Person".I am actively involved with our County Association as several area Associations. My paid profession(monetary) is that of underground construction superintendent for a lagre construction co.here in east Tx.

Roger Ellis, Captain, Webmaster: Speedway Fire/Rescue Moderator for MotorSports Speedway Rescue Forum. Served with Speedway Fire/Rescue in Davenport, Iowa since 1993. Promoted to Captain in 1996. Nationally Certified Firefighter 1, and CPR-D. Served in the U.S. Navy, and USNR. Attended first USN firefighting school, 1981. Created the website for SFR in 1999.

James Craig Lambert 39, Fire chief Harmony Consolidated Volunteer Fire Department, Upshur County, Texas. I joined the fire service in 1978 at 16 years old as a junior firefighter with the Harmony VFD, and at 18 became a full member firefighter, following in My Father's and older brother's foot steps. My father helped to organize the Harmony VFD in 1977. Older brother served in the Dallas Texas, Fire Department. I attended Tyler Junior College and majoring in Fire Protection Technology. Became a Captain in 1985 and a basic certified firefighter in Texas in 1986. Became a intermediate certified firefighter in 1990. Became a Emergency Care Attendant through the Texas Department of Health in 1993. Served as the Departments Medical Coordinator from 1994 to 1998. Fire Department Duties include Fire Chief, Firefighter, Emergency Care Attendant, Department Fire Prevention Officer, and Assistant Training Officer. In 2001, I was made the vice president of the Upshur County Firefighters Association. Married to Barbara (aka Puppy) Lambert, also a firefighter for 6 years, children Crystal Renee` 17, Michael 13, and Melanie 12.

Hello, I am a moderator for the Motorsports Speedway Rescue, I have been involved in safety work at LaCrosse Speedway in LaCrosse, Wisconsin for the past 6 years. I am married and have two children. I work full-time for a major manufacturing company in LaCrosse and enjoy racing and spending time with my family.

My name is Donald Martin I am 29 years old, and a volunteer firefighter with the West Orange Volunteer Fire Department in Orange, Texas. I lived a block away from the fire department as a child and looked up to them as role models. I have always been the type of person who would go out of my way to help others, so I decided that when I was not working offshore, I would devote as much time and energy to what I love doing. Helping people is the name of the game and someone has to do it, so why not me.
I am married to Peggy and we have 4 lovely kids, Patience, 14; Donella, 8; Sloan, 6; and Trinity, 2.
Feel free to contact me any time and I will do anything I can to help you. My email address is .

My name is Jim Preston, I'm from South Windham, CT I'm a member of the V.F.D. and have served there for four years. I started in the emergency services late in life. Came to CT. from South Florida five years ago and took my first EMT class just for the knowledge, then discovered the fire service. I've been a member for four years, took FFI as a probie while serving as an EMT for the Dept. Once off probation I took FFII, spent two years as FF/EMT and was elected 2nd Lt. and served in that position for two years and was then replaced by the younger blood. But that's Okay rank and file is fine for me! I'm certified in swift & cold water ResQ and I'm a member of the Search and Rescue team. I am also a state certified juvenile fire starters councilor.
I've worked for the past three years for a commercial ambulance service as a NREMT- B and this year was promoted to Crew Chief, where I'm in charge of two ALS ambulances and one BLS. We cover the city of Norwich for 911 and R-5 intercept for the surrounding communities as well as EMS for a large tribal casino. I've been married for what will be ten years this September to a lovely lady named Cheryl and we have a great little dog named Murry.

I am a Lieutenant and the Training Officer of the Clyde-Cardinia Rural Fire Brigade (in CFA). My brigade is a fully volunteer one with a high time commitment for training, meetings and, of course, responses to a variety of fire calls and incidents. I have been an active member since 1986 and am a State Accredited Pad Instructor (which covers instructing about structural, LPG and flammable liquid fire attack), a nationally accredited Workplace Trainer and Assessor, am accredited in BA (Breathing Apparatus), Trench Rescue and Confined Space Rescue, First Aid (Level 2) and Intermediate Level 4WD. An area of particular interest to me is wildfire behaviour. I also run my brigade's Junior Volunteer program for adolescents aged 11 to 15 inclusive.

I have an incredible need to learn as much as possible about this industry - I love it!

Hi! My name is Robert Williams aka " Wheels ". I am married to my wonderful wife and have three beautiful children. My oldest is my daughter who is 10 yrs. old. Then my sons which are 6 and 3 yrs. old. Some of the hobbies that I enjoy are Roller Hockey, Coaching my kids sports, Playing guitar and riding motorcycles in the desert. I am a Engineer with the Lakeside Fire Protection District stationed at station 25 "Viejas". I started my career 10 years ago. I have worked for Sycuan Fire Department my whole career and just recently changed to Lakeside Fire Department. I have also spent time as a Volunteer and Reserve Firefighter with San Diego Rural Fire District. I have been a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association for 6 + years. I am currently a EMT- D/C, FF1, FF2, State Driver Operator, First Responder Operational HAZ-MAT certified and a State Fire Officer.

Hello! My name is Rich Nester, better known around here as "MetalMedic". I am a paid-by-the-call volunteer for the Orrville Fire Department in Orrville, Ohio. I have been in the fire service since 1980 when I joined the Chippewa Township Fire Department in Doylestown, Ohio. In 1986 I move to Rittman, Ohio and joined their department until 1989. I then got married and moved to my current home in Orrville. I got divorced in 1993 and I remain single (know anyone looking for a good man??). I have been an Emergency Medical Technician since 1983. I am Firefighter 1-B Certified, Emergency Medical Technician - Basic; Fire Safety Inspector, Phoenix Rescue Tool Service Technician and American Safety and Health Institute First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor. I have a special interest in fire prevention and vehicle extrication and have assisted with instructing the Commercial Vehicle class at Ohio's State Fire School in Bowling Green.
My career job is that of Police Sergeant for The Ohio State University at Wooster. Been doing police work since 1978 when I joined the Rittman Police Explorer Post 2566. Went from there to Police/Fire/EMS Dispatching for Rittman and Wadsworth, Ohio. Got my first cop job part-time in Wadsworth from 1983-1985. In 1985 I started part-time at OSU while working full-time as a Security Officer at the College of Wooster. In 1987 became a full-time Police Officer for the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities at the Apple Creek Developmental Center. In 1995 I went full-time with OSU.
Along with all of my professional interests, I enjoy studying the American Civil War and NASCAR. I work Fire Safety at the Cleveland Grand Prix and Mid-Ohio CART Races and also some other races at Mid-Ohio.

My name is Ron Ayotte, aka "Captain Gonzo". I am a career firefighter/EMT and work with the Marlborough Fire Department in Massachusetts. I am assigned to Group 1 and work out of headquarters. I was appointed to the Department in November 1981, promoted to Lieutenant in November 1988 and made Captain in August of 2000. I also serve as the Department's Public Fire Education Officer (official) and the Public Information Officer (unofficial). I moderate the Public Education and Information forum on FFF.
I am married; my wife and I have one son, two dogs, a cat and a gecko. In my "spare" time, I write for a newspaper and have an auto detailing venture on the side.

I (jake aka David) started in the Fire service when I was twelve. My neighbor was a fire fighter in Dennis, MA and I used to ride with him to fires and take pictures. That habit grew into a passion. I went to the University of New Haven and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fire Investigation. While there I beagn to learn what I hoped would be my carrer. I was an active member of both the Allingtown Fire District and the West Haven Fire District. In my senior year of college I learned that a heart condition I had had since childhood would prevent me from acheiving my dream. In 1993 I was hired by the Harwich Fire Department as a Fire Alarm Operator, "Dispatcher". It appeared that this was as close as I would ever get to being a "Jake". After 7 years in Harwich I approached the Chief about switching over to a Fire Fighters position. With a lot of luck, and a few hundred prayers, I was finally able to answer the call that had gone unanswered. September 17, 2000 I was appointed as a Fire Fighter / EMT. 11 Years and 3 months after the Doctors told me no. I have been married for 6 years to my beautiful wife Marcy, and am the father of two great girls, Madison and Tessa.

My name is Mike aka smoke51eater. I'm 27 years old, married, and have a daughter that will be two on the 13th. I've been in the fire service since 1991, and am firefighter 2 certified, as well as an NREMT-B. I also hold several other NH state certifications for firefighting, such as haz-mat (awareness, ops & decon), ICS, and Incident safety officer. I am also certified in SCOTT air pack field maintenance, and am responsible for training & re-certifying department personel in SCBA use. My father is an Asst Chief on the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard FD in Kittery Maine, and my brother is a vollie Lt. in Eliot Maine, and is also a DoD firefighter at the Brunswick NAS in Brunswick ME. I dispatch full time for the Somersworth NH police department, which also dispatches for the fire department, and AMR ambulance.

Hello, My name is Jim Lusk aka TEAM2CAP. I came up in the middle of the Texas Oil boom. Worked as a Rig up truck driver for a few years. Moved a lot of drilling rigs, Worked a few train derails. Worked six oil tank fires and two well blowouts. (one was fire, the other was salt water)I went to work as a tanker yanker for Phillips 66 and got interested in HazMat training. So I made myself available for transfer and got off the road.

Now I work for Chevron-Phillips Chemical Co. Our plant is part of a major industrial complex, called the Borger Complex, in Borger, Texas. The entire complex used to be owned by Phillips 66. Parts of it have been merged or sold to other companies. The Emergency Response Team has, so far stayed the same. We have an Initial Response Team, consisting of all operations personnel on shift in the entire complex. (IRT responds immediately to all fires and sets up cooling, then they egress) I am one of three captains on shift two. We also have an Advanced Response Team, consisting of four fire teams of twenty. ART fights the fire. I am also the Captain of Fire Team two. So I can't leave with the IRT folks. (sometimes I wish I could) We've fought storage tank fires, tanker truck fires, rail cars, process fires, we even fought a sub terranian fire once. If its class B, we've probably dealt with it.

I just finished EMT-B and got my state cert. I help teach several modules on industrial FireFighting and HazMat to our team. And I teach FF safety and awareness on Crude Oil Tank Fires and BLEVEs to anyone who will listen. I call it my "BLEVEs and Boilovers" Road show. I have a wife of twenty two years, who is also my best friend in the whole world. I have two daughters and two grandsons.

Hi, I'm David Smith aka Grumman41. I'm a Volunteer Captain with Capital City Fire Rescue in Juneau, Alaska. I've been a volunteer for 20 years now, and have enjoyed every minute of it. I am married and have two boys, and two girls we adopted in September 2002. I've been a member of the FireFighters Forums since November of 2000. I was introduced to this great place by a friend and fellow firefighter RDWFIRE. I enjoy EMS and auto extrication, and photography.

Hello Ya'll!! My name is Walt Schaefer, aka EngBoss or walt. I am a Captain and Engine Boss with the Medicine Bow Volunteer Fire Dept in Medicine Bow, WY. I have been a fire fighter for going on three years now. I was also a Special Deputy Sheriff with the Search & Rescue for a few years before I moved to the town I now call home!
I am a volunteer but when I go on county grass fires I then go on the pay roll. I am a truck driver by trade and love the open road, some say to be a trucker it has to be in your blood and I tend to agree. I love dogs and raise rotties (rottweilers) on the side. I presently have 6 of them! I served in the military (Army) for 4 years active and 3 years in the Guard. Was also in Desert Storm.
I am a very avid NASCAR and football fan. If you have any questions of me please just ask. MY e-mail address is: walts69_@yahoo.com

Hi, my name is Glenn Ralston, GR73 here at FFF. I've been involved in Fire and EMS since 1994. I am currently a firefighter with the Kingsbury Vol. Hose Company located in Hudson Falls, NY and an EMT-D with the Bay Ridge Rescue Squad located in Queensbury, NY. I hold many NYS certifications and have held many line and administrative positions during my career. Currently, I live in Fort Edward, NY with my fiancee Jamie and her 5 year old daughter Aubrey.

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*Moderators and are volunteers willing to take on the challenge of moderating a forum. They are not paid or staff of the Firefighters Forums, Inc. They are members willing to go the extra mile.

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