Christopher StavenessEighteen new firefighters graduated the MFD Fire Academy on November 6, 2015. We introduce them to you on the MFD Blog throughout December.

Current station assignment:
Station 3 (Williamson St.)
 
Why did you want to be a firefighter?
I wanted to be a firefighter because I enjoy helping people in their time of need. I also wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father, who was a volunteer firefighter in Rio, WI.

Why did you want to serve in the city of Madison?
I was born in Madison and always considered Madison my favorite city. Madison also has the best fire department around. I have a lot of friends on the job and all of them said it is the greatest.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
Just passing the academy was the best part so far. It was a fun and challenging experience, and I'm so happy to be in the station working hard.

Looking back at the Fire Academy, what was the most challenging element?
The hardest part of the academy was the physical aspect. They run you through the wringer and back, which is also what makes it fun.

Smoke divers was the most physically challenging thing I've ever done but so rewarding to accomplish.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to join the MFD?
To some extent, I can't give advice; the drive and desire to become a MFD firefighter has to come from within. You have to really want it.

If firefighting is what you love to do, then Madison is the place to do it. We have a ton a great people that we get to work with, and the environment is fun and exciting.

This content is free for use with credit to the City of Madison - Fire and a link back to the original post.

Category: General, Station 3