At Fire-Dex, we’re passionate about the first responders we build gear for. Our mission is “to serve those who serve” and we take that seriously every day.  

We recently asked some of those who wear the Fire-Dex patch what inspires them about their work, because at the end of the day they’re the ones who inspire us.  

We’re always interested in hearing more from other first responders! Drop us a line below or on social media about what keeps you coming back to the best job in the world.  

What Inspired You to Become a Firefighter? 

 Derek Currao, MissionCIT 

“I became a firefighter following in the footsteps of my grandfather, battalion chief Joseph Cardella. He was a huge part of my life and upbringing. Hearing the stories from him about being a firefighter made me want that. When I became a volunteer firefighter, starting my path to getting on a career department, I immediately fell in love with being a firefighter.” 

Andy Starnes, Insight Training 

“My father Joe Starnes served as a volunteer firefighter and volunteer fire chief throughout my childhood. The sense of community and service showed me at a very young age the value of service to our neighbor.” 

Alexandria Brown, Female Firefighters of Ohio 

“During COVID, my husband was in a bad motorcycle accident. I wasn’t sure if I’d get to live life with him. After meeting the medics and firefighters who helped him initially and learning how quick and tactful they were, I knew it was something I wanted to do.  

There were also women on the crew! I had no idea growing up I really could be a firefighter. It wasn’t really an option in my mind, especially as a female. Once I experienced this moment and realized I could make a career out of being a firefighter, I was hooked. My job was actually shut down from COVID and I wasn’t collecting any money, so I started cleaning and detailing cars to make money to pay for EMT and fire school. I ended up paying my way through school to then get hired at Nimishillen Township Fire Department where I worked part time and they paid my way through Paramedic school. I am now currently employed Fulltime at Nimishillen, serving the community I grew up in and live in!” 

What do you love most about your job?  

Derek Currao 

“My favorite part of the job (other than catching a fire) is getting to be with the guys on my shift. There’s nothing like a day at work where everyone is having fun, laughing and just enjoying being there.” 

Andy Starnes 

“I have been involved in the fire service since I was 13 years old (as a junior firefighter, then a volunteer firefighter, became a career firefighter at age 22, and retired at age 48). I now serve the fire service with a cadre of veteran fire service instructors traveling the world providing thermal imaging training.  

What I love most about the fire service is the people. No matter what country I visit, they all have the same attitude, the same sense of humor, and the same work ethic. It is a calling that transcends boundaries where all human beings find value in serving.  

The one thing that has motivated me to stay involved is the need to serve and the needs of this world. We all are called to serve and share our gifts with others. It is my belief that if you are called to do something you will never be at peace until you fulfill that calling. That is what motivates me to continue to serve.” 

Alexandria Brown 

“What I love most about the job is we are always critical thinking and solving problems. Nothing about being a firefighter/paramedic is straight forward and every call is different! Every day I show up to work, I know I’m going to learn something and experience something that I can use to better help and serve people. There is no better feeling than being able to efficiently and effectively help someone in their time of need. I take every experience as an opportunity.” 

What’s one memory on the job that you’re really proud of?  

Derek Currao 

“One of my proudest moments would probably have to be when my mother pinned my badge on me at my swearing in ceremony. When she pinned my badge on me, she hugged me and said, “your grandfather would be proud.” He had passed away and never got to see me become a career firefighter.” 

Andy Starnes 

“My family is my proudest accomplishment. I would be nothing without my faith, my wife, and my daughter. But for the fire service, I have many cherished memories over my lifetime of serving in the fire service. It would be difficult to narrow it down to one area. However, the finest moments for me are when I receive cards or emails from other firefighters on how our efforts assisted them in saving someone or saving their own life.” 

Alexandria Brown 

“I’ve had quite a few great moments within the job. But the one I remember the most was when I finally started to get comfortable in my role with a captain who really helped me grow as a firefighter.  

We responded to a vehicle off the road in a ditch. The SUV was perfectly lodged into the ditch that was deep enough that it covered the driver’s side door. It was a time sensitive matter as the driver had a medical emergency which caused them to go unresponsive and drive off the road.  

This was the first time I felt my training and habits went faster than my brain. We acted fast, my captain climbed in the vehicle to cover the patient as I stood with a foot on the hood of the car and a foot on the edge of the ditch, cutting the door off. The door came off in a timely manner, as my other partner came right in and began packaging the patient to get him out.  

We were able to work together so well to get the patient out and get him the medical attention he needed. This was the first time I felt how important it is to have crew integrity and trust. My captain wasn’t telling me what to do or how to do the job; he trusted that with the training he gave me, I would do the job the way I needed to and I did. Trust within a crew isn’t always easy to build. It takes training, losing egos, and creating trust.  

This experience validated my training had been working but it also showed me the level of trust me captain had towards me because he wasn’t trying to “hold my hand” through the call. I think it is so important for a crew to learn trust through intentional training and experiences. In our job, it’s a vital part of providing the best service we can.” 

Supporting the Heroes 

Fire-Dex is committed to providing our first responders with the gear that helps you live your passion.  

Our heroes are the ones risking their lives to help others and we believe that it’s our calling to keep those heroes safe. Everything we do is to help make you better at your job and safer—from product innovations to education, Fire-Dex stands with first responders.