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What inspired you to become a firefighter?
I want to give back to the community and people in times when help is needed the most. Being trusted by complete strangers and being counted on to respond is, to me, what being a role model is all about. The fact that the fire service is dynamic, constantly changing, with new techniques and tools and rapid advances in technology, keeps you on top of your game. The adrenaline rush you get when you go to a fire or get on a truck is something that you can't find doing anything else, I guess you can call it a "perk" of the job.
What is most challenging about your job and why?
The biggest challenge of being a firefighter is maintaining your composure and remaining confident when things go wrong. We respond to calls when people are having what they would consider to be the worst day — a fire, motor vehicle accident, or medical call. Firefighters are human, and we all make mistakes. Making a split-second decision to mitigate a problem is tough. Sometimes you question if the decision you made was the right one.
What is a memorable moment and why?
Most of the people who have been doing this longer than I have can tell you stories of carrying people out of fires or cutting people out of cars. To me, the most memorable moment was becoming a member of the fire service. I knew absolutely nothing about firefighting before I decided to join. Now, I know that I have the ability to properly and safely help people. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being a firefighter, and becoming part of what firefighters consider, "the brotherhood."
More about Ryan
AGE 20
EXPERIENCE Two years of service. Also an active member of Perinton Ambulance since 2010.
HOMETOWN Farmington
EDUCATION I attended Fairport Central Schools until grade 9. Then I attended the Kiski School, an all-boys boarding school in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated in 2008. I studied criminal justice and played lacrosse at Elmira College. I am currently attending Monroe Community College and majoring in Fire Protection Technology, and will be graduating this spring, 2011.
FAMILY Mom, Nedra Miller, brother, Sean Miller, and father, Bruce Miller (deceased).
What inspired you to become a firefighter?
I want to give back to the community and people in times when help is needed the most. Being trusted by complete strangers and being counted on to respond is, to me, what being a role model is all about. The fact that the fire service is dynamic, constantly changing, with new techniques and tools and rapid advances in technology, keeps you on top of your game. The adrenaline rush you get when you go to a fire or get on a truck is something that you can't find doing anything else, I guess you can call it a "perk" of the job.
What is most challenging about your job and why?
The biggest challenge of being a firefighter is maintaining your composure and remaining confident when things go wrong. We respond to calls when people are having what they would consider to be the worst day — a fire, motor vehicle accident, or medical call. Firefighters are human, and we all make mistakes. Making a split-second decision to mitigate a problem is tough. Sometimes you question if the decision you made was the right one.
What is a memorable moment and why?
Most of the people who have been doing this longer than I have can tell you stories of carrying people out of fires or cutting people out of cars. To me, the most memorable moment was becoming a member of the fire service. I knew absolutely nothing about firefighting before I decided to join. Now, I know that I have the ability to properly and safely help people. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being a firefighter, and becoming part of what firefighters consider, "the brotherhood."
More about Ryan
AGE 20
EXPERIENCE Two years of service. Also an active member of Perinton Ambulance since 2010.
HOMETOWN Farmington
EDUCATION I attended Fairport Central Schools until grade 9. Then I attended the Kiski School, an all-boys boarding school in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated in 2008. I studied criminal justice and played lacrosse at Elmira College. I am currently attending Monroe Community College and majoring in Fire Protection Technology, and will be graduating this spring, 2011.
FAMILY Mom, Nedra Miller, brother, Sean Miller, and father, Bruce Miller (deceased).
