Lt. Adam PhillipsonWhere are you stationed?
I’m currently at Fire Station 13 (Town Center Drive) on the ‘B’ shift.

What was your previous position?
Previously I was assigned to Fire Station 8 (Lien Road) on the ‘C’ shift, where I spent 11 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic II and a member of the Heavy Urban Rescue Team.

How long have you been with the MFD?
I joined the MFD in April 2008.

What are some unique qualities or characteristics about your territory, and how do they shape your service to the neighborhood?
Station 13’s territory is predominantly residential, and the majority of our responses are EMS-related. Station 13 also does not have an ambulance stationed at it; therefore, E13 often has to provide medical care prior to the ambulance’s arrival. Being a Lieutenant/Paramedic allows our crew to perform ALS (Advanced Life Support) assessments and care prior to the arrival of an ALS ambulance.

Where do you see your biggest impact being as a newly promoted member of the MFD?
I feel I can have a big impact by setting a good example as a Fire Lieutenant who still has an affinity for being a paramedic. Becoming a paramedic can be daunting as the training is intense and the workload can be heavy, stressful, and often has a high “burnout” rate. I hope that setting a good example will encourage new Firefighters to become Firefighter/Paramedics and to maintain their paramedic licensure further into their career. The more paramedics we can maintain, the better the service we can provide to the community. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of the job?
To be honest, the most rewarding part of the job is when I walk through the door of my home in the morning after a 24-hour shift and I’m greeted by my two little girls. There is nothing better than the smiles and excitement of a four-year-old and a six-year-old because dad made it home again. 

What do you do when you’re not working at MFD?
I like to keep busy. I enjoy construction projects and working on my hobby farm, but my favorite thing is going on adventures in the woods with my family. 

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Category: General, Station 13