There is no higher calling in the fire service than to protect the Health and Safety of firefighters. I believe deeply in the mission and work of the SHS section and its importance to not only the public, but the lives and well-being of our country’s first responders.
I began my Fire Service career in 1999. Thinking back to the early years of my career shows the stark progress the fire service has made to better understand and adapt to the constant threats that firefighters face on a daily basis. No longer are there bragging rights for having a melted facepiece after a training burn or shame for talking about mental health challenges. The fire service is a better and safer place today. These changes and advancements didn’t happen by accident, but rather are the effects of hard and diligent work of members like the SHS section that care about the well-being of all fire service members.
As someone who has managed my department’s PPE program, currently manages our NFPA 1582 compliant physicals, and chaired our department Heath & Wellness committee, I appreciate and have a deep connection to the important work of the SHS section.
I currently hold the rank of Fire Chief at the UC Davis Fire department.