Benjamin Erickson

Firefighter/Paramedic

Respond to fire, rescue, EMS, vehicle accident, hazardous condition, alarm, and other emergency incidents as part of a fire company. Provide advanced life support care, including patient assessment, cardiac monitoring, medication administration, airway management, IV/IO access, trauma care, documentation, and hospital communication. Perform fireground operations such as fire suppression, hose deployment, search and rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, ladder work, salvage, overhaul, and scene safety. Maintain apparatus, EMS supplies, equipment, station readiness, and participate in ongoing training to support safe and effective emergency response.

Served as an Academy Instructor responsible for developing and delivering fire service training programs for recruits, firefighters, and department members. Provided instruction in fireground operations, EMS skills, equipment use, safety procedures, emergency response readiness, teamwork, accountability, communication, and chain-of-command expectations.

Assessed training needs and helped ensure curriculum aligned with current fire service standards, department expectations, safety protocols, and community requirements. Delivered both classroom and hands-on instruction through practical evolutions, scenario-based training, and skill-development drills.

Evaluated participant performance through practical assessments, corrected unsafe or ineffective techniques, and provided constructive feedback to strengthen skills, confidence, and operational readiness. Mentored junior instructors by supporting professional development, improving instructional techniques, and promoting consistency in training throughout the department.

As a Fire Cadet, my duties were to learn the basic skills, expectations, and daily responsibilities of the fire service while supporting department operations. I assisted with station duties, equipment checks, apparatus cleaning, inventory, training activities, and general preparation for emergency response.

I also gained hands-on experience with fire service tools, hose handling, ladders, EMS equipment, safety procedures, and physical fitness standards. The position helped me understand the importance of teamwork, discipline, communication, chain of command, and being prepared for the next call.

The Fire Cadet role gave me a strong foundation in the fire service and helped prepare me for the responsibilities of becoming a Firefighter.