AboutJohn Grussing Expertise I am able to answer questions related to fire service careers, fire suppression tactics, technical rescue procedures, emergency medical services, as well as fire department management and supervision questions.
Experience I am a 19 year veteran of the Normal, IL. fire department and currently hold the rank of Captain. I am also a past member of the MABAS Div. 41 Technical Rescue Team.
Organizations Golden Key Honor Society
International Association of Firefighters
McLean County EMS communications committee
Publications Fire Engineering Magazine (Roundtable Discussions)
Education/Credentials I hold an Associates degree in Fire Science from Illinois Central College as well as a bachelor of liberal arts degree from Western Illinois University. My emphasis of study was fire and disaster response planning. In addition, I hold numerous certifications in firefighting, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, and Fire Department Administration from the Illinois Fire Service Institute.
Question I'm 15 and I'm planning on getting into my local fire dept. I live in Virginia beach va. but I'm originally from Boston mass. my question is if i get on the va. beach dept.,can i transfer to the Boston fire dept. later on?
Answer It is not possible to "transfer" between departments due to pension fund statutes. You would have to test for Boston like any other applicant. Make sure you have the new job before you quit the old one because the testing is highly competitive and you may only be successful one time.
