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.