Dale S. Hess
My Fire Background
Reader’s Digest version
I’m happily married to my wife, Karen. I have five children, two step-children and six Grandchildren.
I was first interested in a career in the Fire Service late in High School, 1977, and joined the Boston Volunteer Fire Department, Boston, New York.
In August of 1981, I Joined the United States Air Force, and went to Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and the Fire Protection Specialist School at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. I graduated “Honor Graduate” from the Fire protection specialist school in December of 1981. From there, I did 8½ years Active Duty as a Fire Fighter.
My first tour of duty was overseas, Osan Air Base, Korea, for one year. From there, I was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana for five and a half years. I went back overseas, for one year, to Ie Shima Auxiliary Air Field, Japan. Ie Shima is an Island off the coast of Okinawa which when translated literally means “No Island”. My last tour on active duty was as a Fire Instructor at the Air Force Fire School back at Chanute AFB. I left active duty in February of 1990.
I joined the Niagara Falls Air Force Reserve the very next day after getting off of active duty and retired in July 2004, as an E-7, Master Sergeant with a combined total of 22 years of firefighting service.
I look back on my career in the military and have no regrets whatsoever. I didn’t enjoy every aspect of the military, but I would do it all over again if I had the chance.
After getting off of active duty, I had to wait five years before a civilian position was available here at the Air Base. I finally got my dream job when I started as a Civilian Firefighter in March of 1995. I started as a Firefighter and was promoted to Lieutenant in May of 1999. I became a Captain in May, 2007. With God’s help I will be eligible to retire in nine years.
I’ve been a New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for as long as I can remember. I worked my way from Basic EMT through Intermediate EMT and eventually became a Paramedic. I worked for a commercial ambulance service, here in Buffalo, as an Intermediate and as a Medic for a few years. At one point, I was working three jobs, as a civilian firefighter, an Air Force Reserve firefighter and on the ambulance.
Some of my other certifications include; Fire Officer II, Fire Inspector II, Fire Instructor III, Hazardous Materials Technician and Confined Space Technician. In June, I’m scheduled to attend the Fire Officer III course.
Now I’m trying my hand at the radio business. I’ve listened to Car Connection for about eight years now and called a couple of times for advice on my vehicles. During one of those calls, Mr. Jenkins asked me about fire safety, while we were on the air! The only thing I could come up with quickly was to mention fire extinguishers. Off the air, he asked me if I would like to be on the radio on a more routine basis. I jumped at the chance, and this is where we find ourselves today. I’ll be working with Car Connection and the Jenkins family to bring you timely and accurate fire safety advice for the workshop, your home and for your family. I won’t be doing this on my own however. I’ve asked the Erie County Division of Fire Safety and the Buffalo Fire Prevention Bureau as well as the Fire Prevention Section of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Fire Department to assist me with timely topics and accurate information. Together, we hope to raise everyone’s fire and safety awareness.
Until next time, stay fire safe.
Captain Dale
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