Travis - US Forest Service

Memorable experience:  Meeting the amazing people that do this job, especially a crew from Colorado that I got to work with recently.

Fitness fact:  Go to the gym every day and do a mix of cardio and weight training unless I give myself a break for a week or two.

Lauren – Halstead Fire/EMS Rescue

Inspiration:  My Dad has been a firefighter since I was in 3^rd grade. I want to be just like him and I am proud to carry on the family tradition.

Fitness fact:  I eat healthy and cut back on sweets and junk food, limiting myself to one soda a day.

Will - District #1 Enterprise

Inspiration:  I grew up listening to stories from my two uncles who are firefighters.  Hearing these exhilarating stories about the lives they saved, I knew then what I wanted to be.

Fitness fact: I work out at the gym at least three times a week.

Dylan – El Dorado

Memorable experience:  Was also my first. The call was for a child not breathing. When we showed up he was unconscious and lifeless. With the help of everyone doing their part, I witnessed a little piece of what it meant to help save a life as the baby came around and started to improve.

Fitness fact: I go to the YMCA.  

Abbey - US Forest Service

Memorable experience: The best part of firefighting is being able to meet interesting, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable people that have come to the grasslands to work under extreme conditions.

Fitness fact: I have competed in Olympic weight lifting since I was 14.

Judd - Sedgwick County

Memorable experience:  An explosion occurred at a local chemical plant. While at the alarm, a large tank blew its lid landing inside a home. I will never forget looking up, wondering how many guys just died….it was a very sick feeling.

Fitness fact: I try to work out twice a week. I eat everything in sight.  I don’t do cardio.

Ariana – Colwich

Memorable experience:  One call I will never forget is when we helped a lady and her children get out of a dangerous domestic situation. Her kids told us that we saved them and they were grateful for people like us. We still stay connected and check up on them.

Fitness fact: I sometimes walk my dog, but I mostly turn the music up loud and jam/dance around the house.

Sean – Topeka

Memorable experience:  After the Joplin tornado in May 2011, I contacted a firefighter friend in Joplin to see what needs they had.  After seven to ten days of search, rescue, and recovery they had exhausted the inventory of their duty pants. Most were wearing their own clothes from home. Within three days we were able to collect over 100 pairs of pants and we delivered them along with $1000 to help set up a fund for firefighter families, who lost their homes in the tornado.

Brooke – Bentley

Inspiration:  I had previously worked in EMS for three years and wanted to help my community. I work as a nurse in the burn unit and wanted to broaden my knowledge. 

Fitness fact:  Eating healthy.

Kim – Kansas LAST

Memorable experience: There are lots of memories, good and bad, from a call from where my son lost his best friend in eighth grade to helping kids run through the water from the fire hose in the park. But most memorable is living the dream, feeling like Peter when he walked on water. If we keep our eyes on the goal, we will come out of any situation a better person.

Fitness fact: Buddy system works good to keep motivated. 

Calvin - Garden City

Memorable experience:  Stopping a wild land fire from spreading to a house in a subdivision. When we arrived the fire was ten yards from the residence. We attacked it from three sides and managed to stop it two feet from the home.  I later learned the owners were from my hometown and knew both my parents.

Fitness fact:  I run in the morning and lift in the evenings. To change up my cardio I do tower laps, run hills, or stadium steps.

Lucas – District #1 Enterprise

Memorable experience:  On 9/11 2001 I was eleven years old. I remember hearing that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center.  Thousands of Americans died that day because of terrorists, hundreds were firefighters, medics, and law enforcement!  They sacrificed their lives; how heroic and self-giving. I hope to display that same self-giving attitude, and willingness to serve others in their time of need.

Fitness fact: Two-minute maxes on push-ups and sit-ups every evening.

Todd- Sedgwick County

Inspiration: My uncle, a fire lieutenant, along with my neighbor, a retired division chief for a local fire department inspired me to become a firefighter. I was lucky to get to ride out with them and experience the life of a firefighter first hand. The compassion they had for their job and how ever changing it was, drew me in.

Fitness fact:  I work out regularly- off set weights and cardio. Watch fat and carb intake very closely. Never pass up a chance to get in the gym!

KIMBERLY - Ford County

Every day of my career is an incredible experience.  I am completely honored, day in and day out, to be a part of this amazing family.  Seeing the gratitude in a teary eyed citizen whether from a house fire, car wreck or simple medical call gives me an indescribable feeling.

Fitness Fact: I try to maintain an active lifestyle like skiing in the winter, wake-boarding in the summer, playing on recreational teams, enjoying the outdoors and going on long walks.  Just get going and start walking!

Nickname: Bubbles

Favorite Food:  I love food in general!!! Chinese, Italian, BBQ, steak...

Favorite Book:  Twilight saga series and mystery novels

BRAD - Sedgwick County Fire Department

I've always been interested in physical fitness.  It has been a part of my whole life.  Going to the gym and seeing local firefighters work out inspired me to become a firefighter.

Fitness Fact: I lift heavy weights in tandem with boxing workout.  I have ranged anywhere from 245 pounds @ 18% body fat as a linebacker in college.  To 175 pounds @ 7% body fat.  Based upon my goals my workouts will shift.  For example when if I want to lean up and have abs I will focus on circuit training in the weight room and perform a lot more cardio.  If I'm trying to gain muscle, I work out with very heavy weights and lighten up on cardio.  Just remember, if you are trying to gain muscle, fat will inevitably come with it because of the extra calories your body will need.  The same for if you are trying to lose fat; Your body will lose some muscle, especially if your not eating enough protein because of caloric deficiency or extra calories burning.  I know my body very well because I'm constantly changing, right now I weigh about 220 and I know in order to be lean enough to show nice abs I have to be at 205.

Interesting Fact:  Brad is a professional boxer - his second career!  Family is #1.

Favorite Food:  Old Chicago Nachos    Favorite Movie:  Rocky series    Books: "Only if on audio".

CHAD - Chanute

Interesting Fact:  Involved with the Southeast Kansas Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Guild of Kansas City, participating in fundraisers throughout the year to help support children like my 5 year old with Down Syndrome.

Claim to Fame: Once made the local news when caught on camera with a half shaven head.  His crew was dispatched on a call while he was in the middle of shaving his head.

Favorite Food:  Cheeseburgers

Favorite Movie:  The Rocky movies

Favorite Book:  A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffet

BILL - Johnson County Fire District #1, New Century Ks

I've never felt more honored to be a member of the fire service family as I did during the services for fallen hero, John Glaser.  I drove a fire truck in the procession and seeing the response of the community was overwhelming.  I was touched and reminded of how blessed I am to have the job that I have and the support of not only my family, but the whole community.

Nickname:  Man Hands

Interesting Fact: Bill is also 6'8" tall.  Firefighter and crew member of Bill made the comment, "...and he never needs a pike pole!"

Favorite Food:  Mexican food, fish, and ice cream

Physical Fitness advice: Stay active, go for a walk, or get involved in an activity such as any sport or even hunting, anything that involves moving.

RICARDO - Sedgwick County Fire Department

My most memorable experience as a firefighter is being a fire safety clown and reaching children with a safety message. I love their reactions of smiles, laughter, and just making their day better. It great to see them have a lot of fun while learning.

Fitness Fact: Rock climbing is a great overall workout for the whole body. It works you physically and mentally, along with building your technical skills. Try to eat healthy and about every four hours.

Interesting Fact: Ricardo is originally from Mexico City and with the help of his study buddies, his crew at his station, he became a proud citizen of the United States. Don’t be surprised if you walk into his station and catch him reading the Constitution. Ricardo also helped in one of the first years of Coats For Kids, bringing smiles to many faces and surprised many when he interpreted for parents and young children. The look on kids’ faces when Rambobo the Clown spoke Spanish was priceless.