Firefighter Friday - Ryan Hudson

Happy Firefighter Friday!  Hope everyone will take a moment to read about our Firefighter today, Ryan Hudson.  I am sure he'd tell you you be careful out on the roads today!  It looks like we are in for a rainy weekend.  Ok, on to Ryan's answers!  Ryan is one of our Volunteer Firefighters and has been with us since 2008.  Ryan also is a recent star in a LFD film that we will be releasing soon and his picture is from that day!

1.    *What made you want to be a firefighter?

There is something that is very rewarding about being there for someone and having the opportunity to help them on what could potentially be the worst day of their life.

2.    *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?

Leander is a trendsetter when it comes to the amount of quality training as well as its involvement with the community and the fire service as a whole.  I am very fortunate to be a part of that. We are viewed upon by other organizations in the fire service as setting the standard for both training and customer service.

3.    What’s the funniest thing that has happened at your job?

What happens at the firehouse stays at the firehouse!

4.    What’s your favorite food?

I love Mexican food, but if I was limited to one meal I would have to say I'm pretty partial to a plain old bologna and cheese sandwich.

5.    What are your hobbies?

Coaching baseball and football, going to the shooting range, learning traditional crafts like woodworking, metallurgy, and various others.

6.    What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?

I did competitive shooting when I was younger.

7.       If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

My wife and kids and a genie in a bottle.

8. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?

Kellogg's S'mores…….. Because, who doesn't love s'mores????????

9. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be? Thunderstruck by AC/DC…..That song just gets me jazzed up!!!!!!

10. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?

Costa Rica…. I was fortunate enough to spend 17 days there on my honeymoon. The people are very friendly. The countryside is endearing and the coffee is out of this world. We were able to stay in several different locations while there which afforded us the opportunity to do many things such as zip lining, white water rapids, hiking and see an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat.

11. Who is your role model and why?

My father….. He taught me morals, ethics and life long lessons that have stuck with me throughout my life. He has always put his family first and has always done what it took to make sure we were provided for. He taught me “You never go wrong by doing the right thing”.

12.  If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role?

I'm thinking Bruce Willis would be a close fit although he would probably have to pack on a few pounds for the role.

13. Where would you go in a Time Machine?

Back to last Wednesday with the winning lotto numbers in hand to get my ticket!

14. Pepsi or Coke?

Dr. B gotta save it where you can!

Ladder Maneuvers at Academy

COOL Week in Review

LFD had the opportunity to participate in LISD's COOL Week this year and we made it into their video promoting the program!  LFD had a great time with our COOL Week students from Rouse. Look for LFD in their video!




https://mediaspace.leanderisd.org/media/t/0_e52h78pu

Birthday Mission Accomplished

Did you know we host birthdays while sharing valuable safety info?

And rogue balloon at the party?  Apparently we got that covered too. 

It's Time Change Weekend

Firefighter Friday - Lt. Joe Mayberry

It's Firefighter Friday!  Good Morning Lt. Joe Mayberry!

Joe has been a Career Firefighter for 7 ½ Years for the City Of Leander. I'll let Joe tell you a little about himself.  He went out of his way to answer the questions a little differently.  Read to the end and you even get a recipe!

From Lt. Mayberry:

I wanted to become a firefighter, because I witnessed first hand the impact that they had on the community. My grandfather was very sick towards the end of his life, but he always spoke kindly of the care he received from the firefighters. I also had quite a few friends who became firefighters before me and they absolutely loved what they were doing. Those factors along with a few others played a primary role while choosing a career.

The best thing about being a Leander firefighter is the fact that I don’t know what the day will consist of. I generally have an idea of the duties that need to be completed, but it’s all subject to change. One minute you are assisting with the citizen’s medical needs and the next you are running into a structure fire. No two days are the same. The next reason and probably the most important is the brotherhood. We may argue with one another from time to time and not agree on all facets of life, but when faced with adversity we ALWAYS stand up for one another. We would all risk our lives for each other in an instance, without notice. That’s a special trait and not one typically seen in a job.

My hobbies consist of anything that requires competition. I prefer an activity that clearly defines a winner and a loser. I played baseball and football through high school, followed by 3 years of semi pro football. I've always enjoyed bow hunting and fishing.  I am currently active in Crossfit (LVL 1 coach at Mortal Crossfit in Georgetown) and the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge. Our Challenge Team is currently sitting 6th in the Nation. Leander FFCC Team is annually competing in the World Finals.

I take so much from  our wins, but even more from our losses. The work required for both results is typically the same, but how you handle defeat often paves the way for your future achievements.  That outlook can be used in all walks of life. Do you shut down in the face of adversity or do you learn from it and come back even stronger?

Favorite quote: “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.” John F. Kennedy

I’ll end on a lighter note:

My favorite food is any cheat meal, but if I’m throwing caution to the wind I make the guys the Round Rock Burger.  Here's the recipe:

1 Round Rock Donut- (split in half and pan fried in butter for 30 seconds)
Hamburger, cheese and bacon, The bread is your donut…. You're welcome!

Thanks Joe for being our Firefighter of the Week!

Instagram!

https://instagram.com/leanderfiredepartment/