First Responder: Lt. Ryan McGiboney

Name: Ryan McGiboney

Age: 32

Town: Forest Park, Ga.

Rank/Title: Lieutenant  (Snellville Fire Station, No. 12)

How long with the Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services?

McGiboney has been a firefighter in Gwinnett County for 12 years.

Why did you want to become a firefighters?

"My Dad was a fireman. I'm a second-generation. It's a family tradition in my family."

How many of your family members have been or are firefighters?

McGiboney's father, uncle, cousin and brother have all been or are firefighters. 

What's one of your memorable moments?

"I'd say probably one of my favorites is when I was a rookie we had this fire on Christmas morning," McGiboney said. The crew was able to save presents, lives, and thus, Christmas for the people involved. "That felt good," McGiboney added.

What do you like about the job?

McGiboney said the firefighters he serves with really help to make the job special. "That's the best part, coming in everyday, and hanging out with your best friends," he said.

What don't you like about the job?

"I don't know? What don't I like? Eating cold meals. We eat a lot of cold meals."

How do you balance the schedule and explain things to family?

"You try to explain it to where they understand it," McGiboney said, specifically regarding children. "The reason why you're not there is so you can help other people. ... The reason you're not there on Christmas is because people have emergencies on Christmas."

What advice do ou have for others who may want to be firefighters?

"They need to come in knowing that they're going to have to maintain themselves in a decent amount of physical fitness, as well as while they're here, we do work. There's a lot of hard work involved. ... We train all the time."