Pass on your knowledge and skills every day.

Hometown:

Clarendon

I Live: (City, State)

Clarendon, Vermont

Years in Fire/EMS:

Serving since 1975 (US Military), 1980 Clarendon Fire Association

Why I Joined the Fire/EMS:

As a child I was very interested in the fire service and my local fire department.
This fascination feed my desire to join the military, received FF trng. and once discharged I joined my local FD.
I love serving my community as a volunteer FF and have two sons who have followed in my footsteps.

Relationship Status:

Married

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Clarendon Fire Association

Department Type:

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Rank/Role There:

Fire Chief / Chief of Department, Assistant or Deputy Chief, Training Officer, Captain, Firefighter, Administrative Staff / Team Member, Driver / Engineer

Years With This Department/Agency

Since May 1980 to 1992 then 1999 to present

Second Department (if appl.)

Vermont Air National Guard FD

2nd Department Type:

Military/Federal Response Agency

Rank/Role at Second Department:

Firefighter, Driver / Engineer

Years With Second Department/Agency

1980 to 1988

Other Past or Current Departments:

US Navy 1975 -1980

My Training:

* On going....it's never to late to learn something related to the fire service....even if it's covering the basics.
* Shipboard FF & Damage Control/Helicopter ARFF - US Navy
* Military FF/ARFF (Crash Fire Rescue) - US Air Force {Air National Guard} - Left as SSGT and a 7 Level Supervisor Classification
* Various National, State & County FF Training Classes/Certifications

About Me:

* Married...Oct. 1978 and in Oct. 2008, its been 30 yrs to a very wonderful and understanding woman. Who's stood by me through the years and supported my decisions.
- They say behind every man is a stronger woman.....and that she is!!!!.
* I'll never be able to thank her enough for her outstanding love, devotion and support.
* I have three great sons. Two of which have served the fire service since both joining as juniors.
* In Jan. 2007 we were blessed with our first Grandchild. Preston
Edward Flanders, I will feature his pictures in this page. Love ya buddy.
* In June 2009 we were blessed with our second Grandchild. Eion Philip Flanders, his pics will also be on my page. Love ya buddy. He looks just like his older brother.

* I'm very proud and happy with the dedicated members that support me and make the Clarendon Fire Association a success. Without their outstanding help, support and dedication I couldn't do my job with such success.

* To all the members, "Thank You for all you do and for giving of your time. It's through your unselfish sacrifice, dedication, compassion and caring that make us a success!!" Always remember, "You are the greatest investment this FD has made".

* To the members families, "I want to say, "Thank you for being so supportive of your husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, son/daughter and significant other and allowing them to give of their time and for missing some special moments in your lives to be a valued member of the Clarendon Fire Assoc." Again Thank You and may God Bless You in all you do and for all you give.

Day Job:

Cabinet Maker

Side Jobs or Other Organizations:

Member:
Vt Chapter of International Association Arson Investigators {VTIAAI}
Vt Fire Chiefs Association {VFCA}
Vt State Fire Fighters Association {VSFA}
Rutland County Delegate to VSFA
Alternate from VFCA to Vt. Coalition

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Recruitment & Retention: This is the biggest issue within the volunteer fire service and is becoming a bigger threat because of the required training, hours needed to keep certification, dept. functions vs balancing a family life and work.

I Love Being in Fire/EMS Because:

It' always been a life long desired passion to be a FF and I do it because I love serving my community.