Jason E Reid - Firefighter in training

Rookie of the Year

2011-12-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

So, I've been with Sunnyvale Fire Rescue almost a year now. I've worked car wrecks, grass fires, medical emergencies, and a lot of other calls. And I love it.

I was just given an award for being "Rookie of the Year" at Sunnyvale. It's a really big honor, and I am a little humbled that the officers thought that I should receive this award.

I've learned a lot over the past year, and I know this is where I want to spend my career. I have learned that a servant's heart is essential in this line of work. I do it because I want to help others. I want to keep people safe. It really reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 25:

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

The hiring process

2011-11-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

So right now I'm in the running for Garland FD and Dallas FR (Fire Prevention Officer). I just took the Dallas written exam this morning and filled out the pre-polygraph paperwork while I was there. Now I've got to get the background check paperwork done quickly, since it's due on November 16th. I actually don't have a clue what my score is, and won't find out until next week whether or not I passed.

I haven't heard back about Garland yet, but I don't expect to until sometime later this month. Hopefully soon though.

I put in a 12 hour overnight shift at Sunnyvale Station 1 last Friday - we didn't catch any calls. Maybe we will next time I do an overnight shift.

Stay safe.

Whoa! It's been while...

2011-09-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

My gear at Station 1...

So, it's been a while since my last post. Here's a quick update:

I've been with Sunnyvale Fire Rescue for 7 months now. I've helped with car wrecks, car fires, grass fires, and a recent mobile home fire. I've been to a bunch of different medical calls, including breathing trouble, seizures, chest pains, etc.

From all of these experiences, I've come to realize that this is the career for me. I joined Sunnyvale with the idea that I would hopefully gain some experience and get to learn a bit more about the fire service, but it's been so much more than that. My passion for this career path grows with each call that I make and each training day that I attend.

Right now I've got applications in with Garland FD for firefighter and one with Dallas Fire Rescue for the Fire Protection Officer. I would love to get on in either position. The FPO would eventually lead to an arson investigator position with Dallas. We'll see what happens. Either way, I'm still gonna hang around Sunnyvale FR... I love being a volunteer with these guys.

Stay safe,
- Jason

Grass Fire

2011-05-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

We fought a grass fire last night on the shore of Lake Ray Hubbard. The fire wasn't very hot or very big, it was just spread out along the shore line and back up into the trees and fields.

I rode on the brush truck while fighting the fire. Dallas Fire also sent a brush truck (or two) to help contain the fire, and they even dispatched a fire boat.

Things went pretty well and we got the fire put out in probably an hour. It was very similar to our training for this type of scenario, so I think that helped to smooth out the fire ground operations.

I'm glad it wasn't too bad of a fire, and that everyone made it out safe.

Update - 4/12/11

2011-04-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

So, I didn't make the cut for Mesquite FD. That was dissapointing, but I know God has better plans for my future, so I'm looking forward to whatever is next.

I just applied for DFW Airport Fire Dept. They have a pretty good size group of firefighters, and all of their firefighters are crossed trained in both Basic Fire Academy and BARFF (aircraft firefighting). They have 5 stations and have mutual aid agreements with many surrounding cities. Sounds like a good opportunity to me.

I'm going to keep training and studying, and we'll see how the next test goes!

Update - 3/22/11

2011-03-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

So, I've been with Sunnyvale Fire & Rescue for a little while now. I've been to a couple of trauma calls, a car crash, and a car fire. I love this job - I wish I got paid to do it!

Something that I find really interesting is the fact that I like going on medical calls. I never imagined that I would enjoy helping people in situations like this. But I've come to find that it makes me feel like I'm making a difference - like I'm doing something good for these people during their darkest hour. It's strange, but I think it's really a good thing. When I get on full time with a department, I'll get my paramedic license and volunteer to ride on the box (ambulance) a lot.

I think this might help me see where I can go once I near retirement age. Perhaps after 25 years or so I'll become an RN or something similar and work in an ER. We'll see!

I've got Mesquite's written exam on the 26th (this Friday). I need to score in the top 5% or so to make the list. I'm praying that I pass!

Update - Friday 1/21/11

2011-01-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

I'm in the process of applying for more firefighter positions. I've already applied with Mesquite, TX, and I'm going to submit an application with Dallas, TX. I've had my first interview with Sunnyvale Fire Rescue, and I'm scheduled for an officer's interview in February.

If I don't get on with Mesquite or Dallas, Sunnyvale should pay for some training. I think I'll get some Fire training done at Collin County College (http://www.collin.edu/firescience/index.htm) and then just work on my EMT-B. On the other hand, if one of those paid depts. hires me, they'll send me to their academies and schools for training and certification.

Both Dallas and Mesquite test in March. We'll see how it goes.

Update - Monday 11/1

2010-11-01T09:41:00.001-07:00

Hey guys,

I've been running a lot recently. Since I started the program I've run a total of 42 miles. Last night I ran 6 miles in 57 minutes - that means 6 consecutive miles at 9.5 minutes per mile. It felt awesome.

The next step is adding weight. I'm getting a weight vest soon, and after that I'll add ankle weights, wrist weights, etc. to help build strength and even more stamina.

I also plan on buying a large kettle ball and perhaps a medicine ball to help with functional strength exercises.

Have a great week.

Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe

2010-10-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick recipe for a calorie heavy/protein heavy smoothie. You can incorporate protein powder if you want to, but several of the ingredients are packed with protein already.

2 Tbsp Peanut butter
1 Cup Milk
1 Banana
1/2 Cup Oatmeal (all natural steel cut oats, very cheap and a good source of fiber)

Optional:
Ice, to thicken it
Honey, to sweeten it

Just put all ingredients in the blender and blend it up. Plenty of protein and carbs. You can use lower fat milk to try and offset the fat from the peanut butter.

Enjoy.

Thursday 10/21

2010-10-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

I finished my third 6 mile run for the week. I'm going to run 6 miles three times a week for endurance conditioning.

After today's run, my right hip joint hurts a bit, and my thighs and calves are sore from the strain. But it feels really good to know that I've just completed 18 miles of running in one week. This is the farthest I've ever run and the most endurance training I've ever had in my life.

In addition to this, I'm going to incorporate weights into my running, and then separately I'll be car/truck pushing, ladder climbing (only have access to a 20 foot ladder, but it will have to do) and perhaps more weight training. I've been increasing my calorie intake for a while and I can tell that my legs are definitely putting on some muscle, and my shoulders/chest are showing more definition.

Well, that's all for now. Have a great weekend. Train hard.

Tuesday 10/19

2010-10-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Went running again today for 6 miles. It's always good to have a running buddy, but especially on something this far. You can encourage each other and push each other to go farther and faster than you would otherwise.

This time included jogging, walking (a bit), and short sprints. Man, this is really working my thighs and calfs. They were on fire during the sprints. It's a good thing I've got Wednesday off as a rest day.

We shaved 11 minutes off of our total run time. I expect to take probably most of that off next time, and then most or half of that, and so on... as we get faster, the returns will actually diminish because the gains won't be quite as big. But we'll definantly be faster and stronger, and we'll incorporate some weight vests or weight sleds into the workout in the coming weeks.

I've got 6 weeks until my next test. Should be enough time to really get into awesome shape, since I'm already fit. I need to study for the written test too.

I think I might do some strength building exercises including pushing a pickup truck... I've heard that's a really good one for building leg muscles, and I can see how it is pretty close to the hose drag.

Thanks for reading, and keep working hard.

Sunday 10/17

2010-10-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today I went for an almost 6 mile jog. It was a LONG run.

I'd had two pieces of cake and a lot of water about half an hour before the run. That slowed me at first, although I was glad that I was properly hydrated, because I sweated a lot.

The terrain was pretty good (sidewalks/alleys/streets), although there were some large hills that made it harder to keep the same pace. We started out at a pretty good pace (faster than my usual jog) and after climbing a large hill, we slowed to a walk for a bit. After that we incorporated sprints and then more jogging.

After about 40 minutes or so, I really began to feel good. Actually, I really felt good right after we ran up a rather steep hill (my running buddy was really pushing me to keep the pace and I broke into a run towards the top of the hill instead of slowing down). After that point, it was almost easy. We jogged and walked back (legs aching, side aching).

It was a really enjoyable run. I plan to run a few miles during the week and then 6 miles on the weekend.

Thursday 10/14

2010-10-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was a rest day - I needed it, I was really sore. Unfortunately, I've got to stay late at work today so I might not be able to complete my upper body workout this week (or I might have to double it up with endurance on another day).

Anyway, I did manage to take a 20 minute walk during my lunch break. It's actually a really good idea - eating lunch, then go for a walk. Helps keep you awake in the afternoon, and helps squeeze in just a bit more activity into your normal routine.

Check out this cool gym: http://www.ironmanwarehouse.com/
Makes me wish they had one in Texas.

Edit: I managed to squeeze in about 15 minutes of weight lifting. Mainly shoulders and biceps - I tried heavier weights today and didn't get as many reps in.

Workout - Tuesday 10/12

2010-10-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

I did sprints today. Man, that was a GOOD workout.

There is a concrete drainage ditch near my apartment with sloped walls. I ran my sprints in it and did some wall running too- that's pretty tough stuff.

I started off with a little bit of jogging to warm up. Nothing major. Then I did a sprint at probably 50% max. Pretty good run. unfortunately the ditch isn't that long and it only took me about 12 seconds to get to the end of it. After that I rested for probably 1 minute and then ran another sprint, this one at probably 70% max. It felt good. I rested and ran another sprint. I upped my speed too.

For some reason it felt like I wasn't pushing myself enough during those short sprints, like I wasn't getting more than maybe 80% or 85% out of my run. I thought that was weird but guessed that maybe it was due to running on that surface.

After a few more sprints I sprinted all the way down and then back again, totalling almost 30 seconds. That was good. I really need to push for at least 30 seconds right now - and I need to build it to where I can give it 100% for probably 90 seconds. When I do the firefighter physical, I'll need 90 seconds to drag the hose or the dummy, and I'll really be pushing myself.

After my sprints, I ended with running crisscross from wall to wall (about halfway up each wall). I felt like this was lower intensity than sprinting but still required a good effort and helped build some muscles that I don't normally use because of the slopes.

Next time I'll try and run the length and back and do more wall running. Tomorrow is rest day.

Workout - Monday 10/11

2010-10-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today I did mainly upper body stuff. I did a few body weight squats and a little while on the elliptical machine, but most of my work was upper body.

I started with some lighter weights to warm up and then added a bit more. I used mainly 100# for chest presses and similar workouts (increased to about 130). I did the same for lat pulldowns and lat rows, although I increased those up to probably 155 or 160. I also did some light shoulder work using some kind of overhead press machine - mainly with light weights (50 - 70). I really need to work on my shoulders because every time I do upper body, that's where I really feel it.

I took each rep really slow, concentrating on really working the muscles to build maximum strength. It was probably 3 seconds up, hold 3 seconds, then down 3 seconds. It doesn't take much weight to start to burn when you take it that slow.

I took about 30 minutes to complete the exercise. By that time my left-rear should muscle was hurting, and later my triceps and the edges of my pectorals were sore too. It's a good feeling.

Tomorrow: Sprints.