Firefighter Tom Shannon

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Where are you stationed?
Station 13 (Town Center Drive) on the B shift

Why did you want to pursue this career?
This job puts you in a position to help those in need and to give back to the community. It’s a great feeling to be able to make a difference in someone’s day.

Why did you want to work in Madison, for the Madison Fire Department?
My wife is from Green Bay but we were living in Boston, where I grew up, and when we began having kids she really wanted to be closer to home. Having visited Madison over the years, it seemed like an obvious choice to settle down here. The department is world-class and enjoys great support from both the community and the City.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
Bonding with my crew and getting out on the street has been great.

Looking back at the Fire Academy, what was the most challenging element?
Time management was a huge challenge. The academy was very physical but the academic portion was just as difficult. There were a lot of late nights spent in the books. Not getting to spend nearly as much time as I would have liked with my wife and daughter was the most difficult part.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to join the MFD?
Be patient. We were the third class hired off the eligibility list. There were more than a few times it seemed as though it wasn’t going to happen, but in the end patience paid off.

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Category: General, Station 13