Why did you become an Alpha Firefighter?

A) Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a Firefighter. Growing up, my favorite TV show was Emergency! which followed the exploits of Johny Gage and Roy DeSoto, two LA County Firefighter/Paramedics. I loved the excitement and the fact that they were able to help people in so many different situations.

What do you like most about firefighting?

A) I like problem solving. Every fire or rescue operation is a little different, but they all provide an opportunity for us, as firefighters, to help someone out. Sometimes it is a big deal like a house on fire, and sometimes it is a small problem like a malfunctioning smoke detector, but most of the time we get to make a bad situation better, even if only a little bit.

Is this your first firefighting experience?

A) No, I started out in 1987 with Harvey’s Lake Fire Company while attending the Wilkes-Barre campus of Penn State.

What makes Alpha Fire a different kind of company?

A) Alpha is a much larger company serving a very diverse region. Harvey’s Lake was mostly rural, here in State College we have everything from remote rural areas and farms, to suburban communities, to downtown high-rise buildings. Few volunteer departments cover such a large geographic area with such a large population density and variety of infrastructure.

What advice would you give someone considering joining Alpha Fire Company?

A) I’d say it is important to recognize the large time commitment that comes with the job. The initial training is very intense and takes a tremendous amount of time. It is a commitment that affects not only you but your family and friends, too. Once you get past the initial training phase, you can more easily work things around your schedule, but calls come in at all hours and last all different lengths of time, so you need to be flexible with your schedule.  However, it is very rewarding and you will meet some great people and make some good friends.

What’s something you would like people to know about volunteer firefighting?

A) It takes all kinds of people to make a successful department. We have students, professors, tradesmen, retirees, both men and women. They all bring something useful to the table and we are stronger for having a diverse group of members.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job as a firefighter?

A) Not having as much time as I would like to devote to it. I’d love to spend more time at the station, training and running calls, but my family, my job and other activities I’m involved in also need my attention. I think I’ve found a decent balance, but I’m always happiest when I’m on a call.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job as a firefighter?

A) Being part of a great team. I’m surrounded by people who love what they do and who do it well. Everyday, we get to help people who appreciate what we do. It is a great feeling.

What’s something your fellow Alpha firefighters would be surprised to know about you?

A) Probably not much, since we spend a lot of time together, but maybe the fact that I play drums in a bagpipe band.

What are your goals as a firefighter?

A) Basically to keep doing what I’m doing for as long as I can. I’m not getting any younger, but I love what I do and hope I can keep it up for many more years.

What’s the one fire safety device everyone should have in their home?

A) Smoke detectors. With out a doubt, these safety devices have improved survival rates when installed and maintained properly. Smoke detectors can sense a fire very early on and give you time to safely exit the building. Without them, you might not wake up in time to get out. Fires can grow extremely quickly and the smoke and gases produced can overwhelm a person long before the heat and fire become extreme. Make sure they are properly located, working, and that you know what to do when they go off. Having an exit plan is important.  Run a fire drill at home just like they do at schools or businesses, especially if you have small children.

What’s the one safety device everyone should have in their car?

A) Advanced warning devices like flares or safety triangles and a flashlight.  Make yourself seen and stay back from the highway, especially on an interstate or high speed road. Make sure oncoming traffic knows there is a breakdown or accident ahead so they have time to act appropriately.

What’s your favorite piece of firefighting equipment or gear?

A) The Halligan Bar. It is a multifunctional wrecking bar that has many uses during fires and accident calls. It can force open a door on a house or car, it help open a hood, it extends my reach during a search, it can open up walls to access a hidden fire or help me feel if floors or stairs are still intact and safe to traverse. If I could only carry one tool the Halligan would be it.

What do you do when you aren’t serving as an Alpha Firefighter?

A) I own a small construction company doing remodeling and light construction work. I enjoy working with my hands, and I like that the job often gives me the flexibility to respond to calls during the day.

QUICK SPARKS – FIREFIGHTER’S FAVORITE THINGS:

Movie: As a firefighter I feel like I should say Backdraft, but my real favorite is Office Space.

Book: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Color: Green

Food: Ice cream or pizza or maybe both.

Hobby: Trains. I’m a rail fan, but I like model railroads as well.

Sport: I like outdoor sports and activities like canoeing and hiking.

Team: Penn State, as an alum and resident of Happy Valley, what else can I say?

Holiday: St. Patrick’s Day, it’s fun, it’s low key and it’s green.

Quote: “Be Prepared”. Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement, made it the Boy Scout motto. For me, as an Eagle Scout and firefighter, it represents my personal approach to life.