First Responder: Lieutenant Erick Fuchs

Name: Erick Fuchs

D.O.B.: Jan. 3, 1978

Hometown: St. Petersburg

Rank/Title: Firefighter and EMT

How long have you been with the Gulfport Fire Department?

12.5 years (two as a volunteer and 10 full time)

What do you like about your job?

"You get to help people. The guys I work with, we serve the public."

What do you dislike about your job?

"The persona that people have, that we don't do anything. . . not understanding the training."

What inspired you to become a firefighter?

"The kindergarten trip to the fire station."

What do you like about Gulfport?

"It's a diverse community. As a Firefighter EMT, you get a wide range of experience. You can get the same experience here in a tiny department as a larger department. You respond to all types of calls."

What do you want the general public to know about the Gulfport Fire Department?

"They don't understand how much we do. We do a lot of stuff that people don't think about: year-round training, community service, [ect]."

Do you know a First Responder you think we should feature? E-mail editor Cherlene Willis at cherlene.willis@patch.com.