34+ years experience in the fire service, 1982 to 2016, recruit firefighter to fire chief. Volunteer fire departments to metropolitan fire dept. to an industrial fire brigade. I have worked w/ many wonderful people on fire engines, ladder trucks, and various EMS units. Retired as Fire Chief, however my greatest, most rewarding, position was as the Deputy Chief of Operations for a busy combination fire department east of Fairbanks, Alaska. As the DC of Ops I had the pleasure and privilege of training and working with men and women just starting their careers in the fire service, as well as community-minded volunteer firefighters and neighboring agencies. We trained firefighters to have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become career firefighters with every FD in AK w/ paid staff as well as nation-wide from Portland, OR and Seattle, WA to Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, and even FDNY. This was truly "the best job in the world". Lengthy career serving in the military starting with active duty U.S. Air Force 1977-1983, working as aircraft maintenance on heavy transport aircraft, from apprentice to journeyman. Worked on C-141 and C-130 aircraft, & C/KC/RC-135 tanker & air reconnaissance. After active duty, I had a 9-year hiatus from military duty, returning to uniform with the USAF Reserves from 1991-1999. Again working on the C-141 transport, I was trained as a flying crew chief and flew on missions to every continent in the world except South America and Africa. I participated in four missions to Antarctica! Moving back to Alaska I joined the AK Air National Guard, 1999-2011, working on KC-135 Tankers and moving up into aircraft maintenance management and QA, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9), the top rank achievable for an enlisted serviceman. I served two careers, mostly at the same time, and have had the privilege to meet and work with many fine men and women, the best the country has to offer! Friends that know me call me "Double Chief"!