Meet Tampa Fire Rescue’s Jim Trautner

Works at: Station 21, 18902 Green Pine Boulevard.
Joined: 2002
Hometown: Dunedin

Patch: What made you become a firefighter?

Trautner: I was in college and kind of lost with what I wanted to do. I went to the fire academy and the fraternity-type atmosphere reminded me of team sports.

Patch: You had previous experience with smaller fire departments?

Trautner: I was with Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue and Pasco County Fire Rescue. My goal was to end up working in Tampa ... the big city.

Patch: You have an interesting side job. Can you tell us about it?

Trautner: I teach school. I’m a state-certified EMS instructor. Over the years I’ve embraced the EMS side of the service.

Patch: Your peers tell me you are pretty good at it.

Trautner: I was selected as Instructor of Distinction over five campuses.

Patch: Explain the paramedic aspect of Tampa Fire Rescue.

Trautner: A lot of the public doesn’t understand we are dually trained. People don’t realize that on that fire truck are paramedics, also.

Patch: What do you like to do in your leisure time?

Trautner: I coach youth travel baseball in Trinity. I like to play golf and men’s softball.

Patch: What is your favorite part of the job?

Trautner: When we make a save, bring someone back. People come and express their gratitude for what I’m trained and paid to do.