FCFRD News Blog : #MeetFCFRD: Technician/Paramedic Paul Serzan

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog:

August 2, 2021

Growing up, Technician/Paramedic (Tech) Paul Serzan spent summers with his aunt and uncle on their farm in Connecticut. Both were volunteer firefighter/EMT’s and Tech Serzan loved riding with them to calls. It inspired him to help others and pursue a career in the emergency medical (EMS) and fire service.

Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, Tech Serzan earned his Associates Degree in Pre-Hospital Medicine. He served as a paramedic for three and a half years. In addition to his passion for EMS, Tech Serzan was always interested in the fire service. However, in New Jersey the fire department and ambulance services are separate. He began applying for jobs within the fire service but not many departments were hiring. Eventually, Tech Serzan began to look at opportunities out of state. He had heard about Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) and was interested in their urban search and rescue team. Tech Serzan applied and, two days later, received an invitation to come to Fairfax County and take the written exam.

Tech Serzan started with FCFRD as a member of Recruit Class 124 in September 2007. Throughout his career he has operated as a certified paramedic. His first assignment was at Fire Station 2, Vienna. He has since served at stations throughout the county including Fire Stations 19, 23, 41, and 39. He is currently at Fire Station 14, Burke.

In 2012, Tech Serzan accomplished one of his career goals and became a member of the department’s urban search and rescue team (USAR). He serves on the team as a canine handler and medical specialist. He served with his first canine, Angus, until November 2020 when Angus retired. While Angus enjoys his retirement, Tech Serzan has been hard at work training with his new partner, Vader.

In addition to being a member of the USAR team, Tech Serzan has been a member of the Technical Rescue Operations Team (TROT) since 2015. He also shares his knowledge and passion for EMS with others as an adjunct professor at the Fire and Rescue Training Academy.

Tech Serzan says he loves being a part of such a progressive fire and rescue department. He enjoys constantly collaborating with intelligent and driven individuals working to advance the department. While he loves where is now, Tech Serzan is also looking to the future. He just took the lieutenant’s test and hopes to become an EMS Captain within the department. He is proud to have a career where he can use his EMS, firefighting, and technical rescue skills to make a positive impact on the residents and community he serves.

Have you wondered what it would be like to #JoinTeamFCFRD? Contact our recruiters at fire.recruitment@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 246-3939 to learn more.

This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.