Meet Apparatus Engineer Jonathan Clinkscale
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Describe your role as an Apparatus Engineer.
An Apparatus Engineer's first responsibility is safety of the crew. I'm responsible for getting us to every call safely. I'm responsible for checking the rig every day, making sure it's running properly, and making sure that it's ready for service. If there is a fire emergency, I make sure we have a positive water source to protect the crew inside trying to extinguish the fire.
What's something most people don't know about your job that you wish they knew?
I think the engine and truck are very cool machines. They do a lot of things. People think it's all lights and sirens and big horns, but there's actually a lot of different processes that go into being able to work the "bells and whistles." There's a process for how the pump works. Getting water to the pump is a process. Making sure that you have charged hose lines is another process you have to go through, and you have to do it the right way or you will not get the result that you need. Firefighters on that line are depending on you to accomplish those tasks in a timely manner, because the margin of error is great.
As a “rover" you get to serve all parts of the city. Do you have a favorite station or territory?
No. I've worked most of my career on the east and the north side, so I definitely like being in that territory for familiarity, but I like going in all parts of the city. It's fun going to different stations, working with different crews. I like meeting everybody on the department, knowing who's working all around the city, and being able to interact with them.
What are you most grateful for in your career?
The opportunity to serve the community. I really enjoy what we do for the fire department. It's a fun job; you don't do the same thing every day. It's challenging. And it's the closest thing that I can see as far as being on a team with my athletics background. I think it's a good fit for my personality, and I enjoy it.
Is there a moment in your career you're especially proud of?
I was proud when I made it through the Academy, and I was also proud when I finally made this promotion. I spent some time learning on the job, because I didn't have a lot of experience, and I feel a sense of accomplishment to have this promotion knowing how hard people work in this job to get to where they are.
What do you enjoy doing when you're off duty?
Spending time with family.
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