Meet Tampa Fire Rescue's Robert Menendez

Works at: Station 21, 18902 Green Pine Boulevard
Joined: Eight Months ago
Has been a firefighter for: 24 years
Hometown: Tampa

Patch: What made you want to become a firefighter?

Menendez: I had just gotten out of the Air Force and I became a deputy at the Hillsborough County Jail; Someone I knew was a firefighter and it seemed like a very interesting job that helps people. 

Patch: Is there a single most memorable moment that you have experienced on the job?

Menendez: Wow! I have a million of them. The stuff on TV does not even compare to some of things I've seen as a firefighter. However, the shooting spree near the Courtney Campbell Causeway (in Dec. 1999) was a scary day for everyone. 

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

Menendez: I work in my spare-time doing tile work.

Patch: What do you enjoy about living and working about New Tampa?

Menendez: I enjoy working at this newer station and I like New Tampa. Everything is new here, and convenient for me.

Patch: If you were not working as a firefighter, what would you be doing?

Menendez: Once I had this job, I never wanted to be anything else.

(Editor's note: Know of a first-responder who could be featured? Let us know!)