1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to join the fire service
I was raised in San Francisco and still reside in the very city that I get to serve. I joined the San Francisco Fire Department because I get to give back to the community that gave me so much.
2. Who or what has inspired you as a fire instructor?
All my mentors in the SFFD and those I met on the national level including National Fire Academy, FDIC, etc. have inspired me to instruct. They gave me so much and made me the person I am. It’s the least I can do for others.
3. What are some things you are working on in your department and how can others learn from that?
Some of the things I’m working on include being the Chair of the High Rise Committee and the Transit Committee. We prepare fire fighters in our department to understand the complexities of fires in high rises and our underground transportation railways and to properly and safely respond to these low frequency/ high risk incidents.
4. Tell us about a project or training accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career
My most significant training accomplishment is training and educating over 2,000 students at the local community college where I teach Fire Science. It’s an arena where I get to give back to the youth of San Francisco, many of whom come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
5. What do you hope to accomplish as a fire service instructor?
I hope to give all students fair and equitable access to information and training so they can use what they learn toward a rewarding career in the fire service.
a. When you are gone, what do you want people to remember you by?
That I cared about them and wanted them to be the best, most aggressive, and competent fire fighter, and one who also cares about others.
6. What is the biggest change you have noticed in the fire service since you started?
The biggest change is the intensity and scope of the politics as you rise up the ranks. It can be detrimental to what really matters in the fire service especially when it gets ruthless and the fire fighters are the last to be considered.
7. What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I love gospel music.
8. If you could choose your title (other than the generic Training Officer or Firefighter) that uniquely describes you in your position, what would it be and why?
Coach of a high school basketball team because I love the sport and I love coaching young motivated student athletes.
9. And finally, what advice do you have to give another instructor or to somebody who is just starting out as an instructor?
Treat everyone fair, firm, and friendly.