Meet Firefighter/EMT Trevor Regali

Where are you stationed?
Station 7 (McKenna Boulevard) on the ‘B' shift.

What did you do before working for MFD?  
I worked for the City of Monona as a firefighter/paramedic.

What sparked your passion for the fire service and EMS?  
Many things interested me in a career in the fire/EMS services, but the first thing that grabbed my attention was the team and family dynamic that you got when serving amongst your peers. The ability to work closely and develop strong relationships and bonds with your coworkers. As well as the ever-changing, day-to-day calls for service and the chance to serve the community in many ways. 

Why did you choose the Madison Fire Department?  
MFD has a strong reputation and culture and, with having personal local ties to the community, I couldn't have been more grateful for the opportunity. Along with their specialized capabilities/teams, strong department values, commitment to service, and forward approach to modern firefighting and EMS services, MFD was an easy choice to hopefully get an opportunity to work amongst and with some of the best in this career field.   

How do you see your role within the fire department contributing positively to the Madison community?  
Being someone who was born, raised, and currently living in Madison, I like to think I understand what the community expectations and desires are for their fire department, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve and protect the place I call home.  

What are you most excited about as you transition from recruit to firefighter/EMT?  
Putting together all the training, skills, and knowledge we received throughout the 22-week academy, performing the roles of a firefighter/EMT in the field, and serving the community, as well as getting back to working a traditional firefighter's work schedule. 

What advice would you give someone who wants to become a firefighter/EMT?  
There are many ways to become a firefighter/EMT, but you can join your local volunteer department to get some experience. When it comes to MFD, I would say apply as many times as it takes to join MFD. Be persistent and don't give up. Find a way to serve the community, take care of your physical and mental health.  Look into fire and EMS classes at Madison College or other local educational facilities. 

What is your earliest memory with a firefighter/EMT or paramedic, and how did it influence your desire to pursue this career? 
My earliest memory with a firefighter/EMT/Paramedic would have to be watching the movie Backdraft and pretending to be a firefighter as a little kid until I decided to pursue that opportunity later in life.