Lieutenant Tim McChesney

by Tim
(Arvada,Co. USA)

I guess I can thank my twin brother for getting me into the fire service.

He joined our volunteer fire department and kept bugging me to join. He said it was exciting and rewarding to drive a big fire truck and help people. Well, I joined....that was twenty three years ago! I am a paid firefighter now, but I won't forget my roots as a volunteer.

Due to health reasons, my brother had to resign after eight years of service. Shortly after he resigned, my mother found a photograph of me and my brother standing next to little pedal car fire trucks. It was taken in 1962! I guess we both were destined for the fire service even at an early age.

I am currently a lieutenant with a department just outside of Denver, Colorado. I am an EMT-B, Haz- Mat Technician, and am certified in ice rescue and swift water rescue. The fire service has opened a lot of doors for me. I was in the 2005 Colorado Firefighter Calendar, and I am the MDA "Fill The Boot" Coordinator for my department.

For anyone thinking about getting into the fire service, I say "Go for it".

My son is a senior in high school and is already working towards an Associates degree in fire science. That in itself,is reason enough to make me proud! I can honestly say that I love the excitement and making a difference in someone's life every day! Thanks for reading my story and best of luck to all of you current or aspiring firefighters!

Be careful, and God bless you!

Lt. Tim McChesney