Spirit of Giving

In the spirit of the season we wanted to share this story of giving with you. Members of the Leander Professional Firefighters Association #4298 from the Leander Fire Department issued a $1,000 check today to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA expressed their gratitude of the Firefighter Association's support and future partnership.

Firefighter Friday is here! - Assistant Chief Heater

It's Firefighter Friday! This afternoon we are introducing you to our Assistant Chief of Operations, Stuart Heater. Chief Heater manages things that people normally think about when you think of a fire department: Firefighters, Fire Trucks, and Fire Stations.

1. *How long have you been with LFD and in what capacity?
2.5 years as volunteer and 9 years as career

2. *What made you want to be a firefighter?
A friend in high school was volunteering at the local fire department when a big apartment fire occurred right next to the school. After he was talking about the fire I went out the next week and started looking into volunteering.

3. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
The atmosphere. It’s the best group of people I have worked with.

4. What’s your favorite food?
Mexican Food

5. What are your hobbies?
Saltwater fish keeping, wood working, and occasionally I get to play golf.

6. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?
My family was among the first settlers of Hudson Bend area of the river valley before the construction of Mansfield Dam flooded our homestead.

7. If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?
I only need two- my deployment ready pack and golf clubs

8. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?
Bahamas. The beaches, blue water and the lack of good cellular coverage.

9. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Sweat Tea

10. Pepsi or Coke?
Pepsi only if it has salted peanuts poured in.

Firefighter Friday - Ryan Blake

Good Morning, Leander!  Yay, It's Firefighter Friday!  And Good Morning to Ryan Blake, our Firefighter of the week.  He's been with LFD for about 2 years now as a paid Firefighter.  You first met him back in July when he told us about his time in Fire School.  One extra
fun fact about our department - We actually have 4 Firefighters that go by "Ryan" either first, middle or last name.  Now, for some answers from this Ryan!

1.    *What made you want to be a firefighter?
My father was a member of the ERT (emergency response team) for the manufacturing company that he worked for when I was a young kid. They handled firefighting & hazmat duties on site. This sparked my interest and coupled with my desire to help the people in my community is what led me to choose a career in the fire service.

2.    *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
The awesome people that I get to work around, who all have the same passion for the job that I do.

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

4.    What’s your favorite food?
Pizza

5.    What are your hobbies?
Mountain biking, hiking, camping

6.    What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?
I have never traveled outside of the United States.

7. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
Kashi Go Lean Crunch, it's healthy.

8. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
I Saw God Today by George Strait.

9. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?
Ouray, Colorado.  Great hiking, 4x4 trails, rock climbing and hot springs.

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

11. If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner, who would they be?
Jay Leno. Tina Fey. Jimmy Fallon.

Bikes for Blue Santa

Leander Police Department Blue Santa donation collections are in full swing.  Leander fire Department has a Blue Santa Barrel in every station to collect donations.  City of Leander employees were challenged to donate bikes this year.  Leander Fire Department teamed up with the Building Permits and Inspections departments, Leander Professional Firefighter Association, Leander Volunteer Fire Department, and our individual members and were able to donate 10 bikes with helmets.  And of course our Firefighters wanted to personally deliver those bikes to the Leander Police Department.  If they missed out on that 2 minute trip from LFD to LPD they were going to miss reliving their youth as you can see!  For more info on Blue Santa go to:  http://www.leandertx.gov/police/page/blue-santa-program  

Shirts for Sale!

Did you know LFD now has T-shirts for sale? We do! Check out the link for price and pictures. We even have kid sizes! One of our firefighter's wives made this design happen and we are so thrilled to be able to offer this shirt to the public. Proceeds from the sale go into Outreach and Education programs for children, elderly, and someone you may know.

http://www.leandertx.gov/fire/page/lfd-support-t-shirts-are-here-0

Wall Breach Video of Training

The guys were having a little fun during training timing themselves to see how fast they could get through.  They though a minute was a good goal and did it in 36 seconds.

Firefighter Friday - Ryan DeBacker

We often hear that Firefighters become Firefighters because they want to help people. Honestly, they never know how they are going to help, but it's true a lot of them just have a helpful nature and that is true of today's Firefighter ofthe week for Firefighter Friday - Ryan DeBacker! Ryan is our Inspector/Fire Investigator at LFD. Just today, while out on inspections he found a dog and helped find the owner and get the dog back home. We have a picture of Ryan and is new doggy friend below. Now on to some questions for Ryan!

1. *How long have you been with LFD and in what capacity? (Volunteer or Paid? Include both amount of times if you were both.)
I started as a volunteer in 2008. I was hired full time in 2012.

2. *What made you want to be a firefighter?
I was tired of feeling empty with my previous jobs and being a consumer. I wanted to do something that was a benefit to society and that I would be proud of.

3. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
Leander is where my family has been and currently is. The schools and businesses I inspect and keep safe are the schools my children will go to and where my family shops. I had the opportunity to be on the first arriving engine on a medical emergency for my mother. I am also in a position that allows me to help build a safe and growing city through my plan reviews. How blessed and rare to be a part of something so special.

4. What’s the funniest thing that has happened at your job?
Firefighter stories can't leave the stations. My family reads these posts. Crews are the equivalent of frat brothers that are all 12 years of age.

5. What are your hobbies?
I am quite tame and boring. I traded the motorcycle in for kids. On crazy days you can find me out on a treacherous family walk in the neighborhood.

6. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?
I am an avid opera fan. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to fly to New York overnight and watch Placido Domingo perform in 'The First Emperor' at the Met.

7. If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?
My yacht, a box of cigars, and my deed to prove I owned the island.

8. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
I sang Kelly Clarkson's 'A Moment Like This' at a karaoke bar to my wife when we first started dating. This would seem a reasonable choice to repeat.

9. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?
Bar Harbor, Maine during the summer. The weather is amazing. The topography is breathtaking. You get to see whales and seals! No fire ants, no cedar, no poisonous spiders and snakes, no 100 degree days.

10. Who is your role model and why?
Bonus round! My wife. She is amazingly strong. She is absolutely the glue in this family. She continually makes me strive to become a better person every day by reminding me there are plenty younger models with more hair to trade me in for. She was an inspiration for me to get back in college which currently has me sitting 18 hours from a dual degree. She's pretty hot too.

11. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role?
Friends and strangers routinely discuss my mustache. The logical choice would be Sam Elliott.

Fire Combat Challenge Team Recognized

Our Leander Fire Combat Challenge Team was recognized tonight at the city council meeting. We are so proud of their performance this year and the spotlight they bring to our department and city. Good job guys!

Firefighter of the Week - Tony Anguiano

Firefighter Friday is here! So, take a shopping break and learn some fun info about one of our firefighters! Today let's meet Firefighter Tony Anguiano. Tony has been with LFD as a volunteer since 2010 and was hired in 2013. Now for some more about Tony....

1. *What made you want to be a firefighter?
Growing up in Los Angeles some of my best childhood memories involved watching LAFD speed through the city and seeing their stories on the news. When LAFD saved the lives of my friends in a car accident, I knew this was a career I wanted to pursue.

2. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at Leander Fire Department?
Leander gives their firefighters the best training possible; I know that we can compete with the biggest cities in the country. Yeah, it’s that good.

3. What’s the funniest thing that has happened at your job?
Watching grown men react to scary movies.

4. What’s your favorite food?
I love a good lasagna.

5. What are your hobbies?
I love to read and watch documentaries. Any suggestions? Send them my way. I also like skate boarding with my dog.

6. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?
I love learning about the geography of Leander and all the new plans being implemented.

7. If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?
1. A toothbrush
2. Tooth Paste
3. A surfboard

8. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
Frosted flakes. Why? “Because they’re GRRRREAT!” – Tony T.

9. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Shake me like a monkey – Dave Matthews Band.

10. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?
Gulf Shores, AL during Hangout Festival. Three days of beach fun, and music.

11. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Good veggies, eggs and tons of cheese.

12. Pepsi or Coke?
Original A&W Rootbeer

Congrats Tony on being the Firefighter of the Week! Hope you have a great day!

Thank You Leander and Happy Thanksgiving!

In this season of thankfulness we want to take a moment to thank our customers. We thank you for letting us serve you and be a part of your lives. We know we often share difficult times with you and we appreciate your trust in our department. Sometimes we are a part of joyous times too. Today we have a story that began back in June. The Hummel family was expecting a baby and as Brandon and Jessica Hummel were preparing to go to the hospital they found themselves calling 911 when they never made it out of the house. They just remember saying “please send help.” Jessica’s labor was progressing very quickly. Brandon described Jessica as unusually calm as he helped her deliver baby Olivia at their home. As their family friend, Marion, arrived to watch their other three children they could hear the sirens. EMS and a Leander Fire Truck pulled up. Brandon said he felt such relief seeing them there, “someone who knew what they were doing!” The Hummel’s said the crew was awesome. They “thank God for the men that came and the level of comfort and professionalism that they brought to their chaotic morning.” Lt. Mayberry of LFD was on that shift and recalls “the mother remained extremely relaxed and did an amazing job of bringing the baby into this world. All of the emergency responders leaned on their training and treated it like any other call. All personnel were extremely excited to be part of this monumental day.” Baby Olivia is now 5 months old and the same LFD shift that made that call is on duty today – Thanksgiving. Thank you to the Hummel family for letting us be part of your birth story and letting us share such a happy beginning. And thanks to the LFD and EMS crews that were on duty that day for helping to make the experience a positive one. Happy Thanksgiving Leander!

Firefighter of the Week! Brett Horvath

Thank Goodness It's Firefighter Friday! It's a great way to brighten up a gray day. Today we have Firefighter Brett Horvath. Brett's picture was taken on a summer day, as you can probably tell, so perhaps it will remind you of a sunny day today. Brett works out of Station 1 on B-shift and has been with LFD since 2012. Now some questions:

1. *What made you want to be a firefighter?
I was introduced to the world of fire rescue from a friend.

2. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
The opportunity to use skills that are extraordinary in a crew environment and to constantly be learning and building this skill set.

3. What’s the funniest thing that has happened at your job?
First shift, first call. Cat in a tree rescue. Seriously.

4. What are your hobbies?
Building stuff; and my kids activities.

5. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
I sing Solo. SOW LOW, YOU CAN’T HEAR ME.

6. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?
Go to a place where you will work hard serving others and play hard getting to know them and yourself. Why? Better memories than just relaxing somewhere. That’s just my opinion.

7. Who is your role model and why?
My Dad. He’s a great father, husband, friend and leader.

8. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Organic

9. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role?
Me. I could act.

10. Where would you go in a Time Machine?
Back to bed some days.

11. Pepsi or Coke?
Neither/ Kombucha

12. If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner, who would they be?
Honestly I would rather have pizza with good friends. I’ll let my wife invite the “Famous ones” and I’ll be nice.

Leander Fire Department Smoke Detector PSA

Firefighter of the Week - Lt. Nicholas Popovic

TGIFF - Thank Goodness It's Firefighter Friday!!! And Good Morning to Lieutenant Nicholas Popovic! Congrats on being our Firefighter of the week! He's been with LFD for 12 years. Now for the rest of the questions:

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

2. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD? Being able to work with my friends.

3. What’s your favorite food? Ribeye Steak

4. What are your hobbies? Hunting and fishing

5. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting? That I have lived in the area all of my life.

6. If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring? Knife, cooking pot, and my wife.

7. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why? Cheerio’s, because I like to make a difference in everyone’s life that I can.

8. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be? Wanted by Hunter Hayes

9. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why? Aruba, I had a great time there and believe others would as well.

10. Who is your role model and why? My grandpa. He taught me a lot of things when I was growing up and was the greatest influence on me.

11. Where would you go in a Time Machine? 1999

12. Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi

Firefighter Friday - Chuck Garrison

TGIFF!  Thank Goodness It's Firefighter Friday!  Today we want to introduce you to one of our Battalion Chiefs, Chuck Garrison.  Chief Garrison has been with LFD 12 years, 5 as a volunteer and 7 paid.  Now, let's get some answers!

1) *What made you want to be a firefighter?
a) I enjoy serving our community and country.  My father and two of my uncles gave me wise counsel early in my life that it was important to serve in these areas.
2) *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
a) The best thing about our job here at LFD is the sense of teamwork and comradery on the floor.  The men and women serving are dedicated and committed to their co-workers, the city, and its customers.
3) What’s your favorite food?
a) Mexican with Chips and Queso!
4) What are your hobbies?
a) I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and dogs. I enjoy rappelling, swimming, archery, shooting, martial arts.
5) What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?
a) I am a “closet prepper.”  Years ago when our budget did not allow for additional equipment for possible disaster deployments I began personally collecting items in the event that I would have to deploy (hurricane, tornado, flooding event, etc.)  Since then, I have continued to collect equipment, supplies, and materials that now end up in my “Go Bag.”  The problem now is that the bag needs to be hauled by a separate trailer!
6) If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?
a) My Go Bag!  That counts as one right?  Number two would be my bride of 20+ years, and third, my Bible.
7) If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?
a) Singapore is on my (return to) bucket list.  I spent some time there while serving in the military several years ago and would love to go back.  Singapore is so many different cultures combined into one area.  The food, architecture, people and scenery is second to none. If anyone has the opportunity to go to Malaysia, they would enjoy this destination.
8) Who is your role model and why?
a) I have a number of men that have mentored and helped guide me while growing up.  Each of these men serve as my role model(s).  It has been a lost art for men to come along side another to bolster and encourage.  I often reflect and have always appreciated those who had shared their wisdom and experience to strengthen me in the area of my family, faith, and work.
9) What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
a) Too many carbs!  Lots of Blue Bell!
10) Pepsi or Coke?
a) Diet Coke!

Firefighter Friday - David Hashem

TGIFF!! Thank Goodness It's Firefighter Friday! Today we want to introduce you to David Hashem who happens to be in Tyler, Texas this weekend competing with the Leander Fire Combat Challenge Team. David is a Firefighter/EMT, and has been with LFD about 6 months as a paid Firefighter. Say "Hey" to Firefighter David and let's hear what he has to say:

1. *What made you want to be a firefighter?
I’ve always had a passion to make peoples day better since I was a child and wanted a career that allowed me to do that every time I came to work. I enjoy the challenges both physically and mentally that we come across.
2. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
That everyone I work with is passionate, professional, and dedicated to the job.
3. What’s the funniest thing that has happened at your job?
Just the day to day conversations we have. It's hard to breath sometimes you're laughing so hard.
4. What’s your favorite food?
Spaghetti and garlic bread.
5. What are your hobbies?
Being active outside, working out, spending time with friends and family.
6. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
Cheerios, I’m a cheerful person!
7. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Helluva life by Frankie Ballard.
8. Who is your role model and why?
My father. He always had a reason to be thankful and positive even when times were tough for him.
9. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
A bunch of leftovers that should have been thrown away a long time ago.
10. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role?
Steve Cook
11. Where would you go in a Time Machine?
Back to the gladiator times.

Firefighter Friday - Wes Fitzsimmons

Firefighter Friday!!! Today we have a Volunteer Firefighter which is appropriate since tomorrow is our Fall Fun Festival which gets a lot of support from our Volunteers! Wes Fitzsimmons is a Driver/pump operator in the Training department. He's been with LFD for over 10 years.

1. *What made you want to be a firefighter?
Two things really. I sit at a desk in my job and wanted to do something physically challenging in my free time. The other reason is I feel I need to give back to the community. This is one of the most rewarding ways to do that.
2. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
I started out off the street at 39 and learned everything from basic fire fighting, to a DPO with an EMT B certificate. I also learned about having a second family.
3. What’s your favorite food?
Anything spicy!
4. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?
That I find being of service the most rewarding part of life.
5. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?
Irish horse back tour of the old castles. Because a week of horses and castles on and off the beaten trail sounds incredible!
6. Who is your role model and why?
No one person, we're all human and have good and bad actions at times.
7. Pepsi or Coke?
Coke

Firefighter Friday - Meet Scot Karr

This is Driver/Pump Operator Scot Karr.  He's been with LFD for almost 5 years.  The first 2 months were as a volunteer then we he was hired as a paid Firefighter.  Now to learn a little about Scot:

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

A desire to help people, a desire for challenging and ever changing environment, and an extreme hated of office work

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

The opportunity to be part of a great community.

3.    What’s your favorite food?

Tuna fish package

4. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

I wouldn’t. I don’t sing

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

Tahiti, it was cool

6. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Empty space

7. Pepsi or Coke?

Dr. Pepper

Lucky Duck

Today our Firefighters gave the children at Zero Gravity Preschool a tour of their truck. Who thinks the Lucky Ducky might have been a highlight for some pre-schoolers?

Fire Prevention Week is Here!

Did you know it was Fire Prevention Week?! At LFD we don't limit that to one week though! We will be at schools around town all month and into November too. Today our firefighters did safety presentations at Founders Classical Academy of Leander. And we all know fire prevention education is important all year right?

Firefighter Friday - Meet Kirke Phillips

It's Firefighter Friday!  Today we have Lt. Kirke Phillips. Kirke started in 2008 as a career staff DPO.  We have 2 pictures of Kirke today as he has a great one of him in his mask.  I've included another as well because we want you to know the faces of LFD!  Please give Kirke a big shout out today!  Now some questions:

1. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?  The future of the department and the City.  It’s a cool time to work here and watch all of the activity.
2. What’s the funniest thing that has happened at your job?  Genuinely funny things happen every day.  It would be hard to narrow it down to the single funniest thing.
3. What’s your favorite food?  Chicken Fried Steak.
4. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?  I listen to really heavy “death metal” music really loud, and I always look mad or intimidating.  But I’m actually very nice, rarely serious, and thoroughly enjoy working a job where service to the community is the organizational tenet.
5. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?  Minnesota!  It is a beautiful state and the folks are all very unique and unassuming.  The summers are great time to beat the Texas heat and be outdoors without bursting into flame.  The winters are crazy if you’re a life-long Texan.  “Cold” doesn’t even begin to describe it.
6. Who is your role model and why?  My mom and dad.  They have always provided a constant positive example and encouraged me to do the things that make me happy.  They have also been remarkably patient and understanding when I have made mistakes.
7. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?  Lots of coffee creamer (my wife and I both work shift work).
8. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role?  Nick Offerman
9. Pepsi or Coke?  Big Red
10. If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner, who would they be?  George Washington, Gar Wood, and Jimi Hendrix.

Coffee with the Neighbors

LFD can literally walk next door to have coffee with their neighbors!  

Thanks for having us Leander Police Department!

Wildland Refresher Course

Our Firefighters participated in a Wildland Refresher Course this week. Lt Bailey gives the group a scenario and each team member has the opportunity to lead the group through the possible situation. The leaders are to answer questions, give direction, give encouragement, give tips and point out safety concerns. Afterwards they talk over how it went just like they might in a real wildland fire. All part of the regular training at LFD. You might notice the gear is a little different. For Wildland fires, firefighters wear this and not their typical bunker gear.

Bluegrass Festival

Our Associates and Volunteer Firefighters are teaching 10 minute CPR at the Bluegrass Festival this weekend. We also have a prize wheel!  You can win tickets to our upcoming Fall Fun Festival!

It's Firefighter Friday and Today We Have an Associate! - Gina Petty

* 

     Today we want to introduce you to one of our Volunteer Associates, Gina Petty. One of the special things about Gina is she is a full-time working mom and also the wife of         Firefighter Petty that you met last week.  Gina chooses to volunteer with us to support her community, her fire department and her husband.  She, along with all of our Associates, is a driving force behind our upcoming Fall Fun Festival.  We couldn't do it without her!  Thank you Gina!  In case you didn't know Associates support LFD by planning and working Fall Fest and other events including birthday parties!  They also provide important Rehab services to our firefighters during emergencies and training.  If you ever wanted to get involved in your community, LFD can give you that opportunity. Now for a few questions for Gina:  

      What’s your favorite food?  TACOS

      What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting? I AM A PARALEGAL / LEGAL ASSISTANT AND WORK IN INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC ASSET PROTECTION

     

      If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring? MY PILLOW, A WATER FILTER, EYEGLASSES

      If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why? LUCKY CHARMS – HOPING TO FIND THE POT OF GOLD!!!!!!!!!! 

      If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why? I HAVEN’T TRAVELED MUCH, BUT DOMESTICALLY, OREGON. BVI IS NICE TOO.

     What would I find in your refrigerator right now? BASICS

      Pepsi or Coke?  COKE

If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner, who would they be?  AL PACINO, KENNY CHESNEY, abraham lincoln

Birthdays?

Yup, we set times aside for parties!  Check out our website for rules and dates, but we'd love to help you out. We provide the location if you let us share a little about us as well as teach your kids some safety tips. 

Happy birthday Lucas! Hope you had a good time. 

LFD at VFW

We visited the VFW for their Health and Safety  Fair today!

Firefighter Friday - Meet Eric Petty

Happy Firefighter Friday!  And good morning to our Firefighter of the week  - Eric Petty.  Eric has been with LFD for 8 years, his first 2 years were as a volunteer.  Feel free to give Eric a shout out.  :-) Now for some questions:

1.  *What made you want to be a firefighter?
For as long as I can remember I have always been fascinated with the fire service. I love the challenges it brings. I like helping, meeting and working with new people. I love the comradery, and family aspect that comes along with it.

2. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
The comradery, and second family that has been built.

3. What are your hobbies?
Soccer, Hunting, anything outdoors

4. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?
I have a degree in psychology and before I became a firefighter I helped run an upscale hunting and fishing store.

5. If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?
My Family, a lot of food and a lot of building materials.

6. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
Cocoa Pebbles, Because they make milk into chocolate milk.

7. Who is your role model and why?
Both of my grandfathers, my dad, my brother, my uncles. They are all great men I have learned great life lessons from.

8. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
A lot of kids snacks.

9. Pepsi or Coke?
I don’t drink sodas.

10. If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner, who would they be?
David Beckham, Johnny Cash, Sigmund Freud

It's Firefighter Friday - Today we have an Associate! Meet Melissa MacLaurin!

Melissa MacLaurin is one of our volunteer Associates.  In case you don't know, an Associate is a volunteer in the department that does various things to support LFD.  They may provide Rehab to firefighters during emergencies or training, or they may help with some of our many outreach events like Fall Fest or birthday parties at the station.  Associates also participate in various training through the year.  If you'd like to be a volunteer in the department and don't want to be a Firefighter, this is the option for you!  Melissa has been an Associate for one year.  She found out about the program by participating in Firefighter for a Day.  (That's happening November 15th!)  Melissa says from that experience she was hooked and wanted to help out her local firefighters and community

Now on to Melissa's questions and answers:

*    What’s the best thing about being an Associate at LFD?  The best thing about being an associate member is learning what our firefighters do and how they are trained as well as being able to help them when they need it so they can continue to protect our community effectively.

     

     What’s the funniest thing that has happened at your job?  The associates were recently given the opportunity to learn to drive the LFD Brush Fire Truck. While we all made it through unharmed (as did the truck) but it was a pretty entertaining morning.

     What are your hobbies? I like to make cards and scrapbook, go hiking and volunteer in the community

         What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting? I have not only gone for a ride in the Good Year blimp, but I was also given the opportunity to drive it!

         If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why? Lucky Charms because I would have access to a  pot of gold

         If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why? Any of the National Parks in the US, especially Yosemite, any in Utah and the Grand Canyon. They are so beautiful and it is nice to go spend some time in nature where you can hear yourself think.

          Who is your role model and why? Both of my parents are my role models. They are the kind of people who will stop to help anyone they see needing some help, even if it is just someone struggling to lift something into the car. I try to be as good of a person as they both are.

     Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role? Kerri Russell

     Where would you go in a Time Machine? I would go back to CA in the 1920s.

     If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner, who would they be? Ernest Hemingway, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston

     Thanks Melissa for giving LFD some of your extra time as an Associate!