Meet Firefighter/EMT Reece Rick

Where are you stationed? 
I am currently at Station 6 (Fish Hatchery Road) on the 'A' shift.   

Where did you grow up?
I have lived in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, my entire life.   

What did you do before working for MFD?  
Prior to joining the MFD, I was fortunate to be a part of the City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue for just under three years. Two years before my employment with the City of Fond du Lac, I was a fire and EMS intern with the Mount Horeb Fire Department.   

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 as a young child was visiting my dad while he was training as a volunteer with our local fire department. I remember being fascinated by the trucks, the gear they wore, and the live fire environments they were training in. All of this led to me wanting to learn more and more about the profession as I continued to get older.   

Why did you choose the Madison Fire Department?  
It has been one of my greatest goals to be a part of the City of Madison Fire Department. Not only is this department known for providing great fire and EMS services, but the department provides many other services including CARES, community paramedics, hands-only CPR training, and much more. I look at these services as going above and beyond in providing for the community. For that reason, I wanted to be a part of a department constantly looking to improve the service that it can provide the community.   

What was your favorite part of the recruit academy?
My favorite part of the recruit academy was the day we took a trip to Blackhawk Technical College for our live fire training day. I enjoyed working closely with not only other recruits, but also the training staff to simulate responses to structure fires under conditions similar to real-life calls. It was the most fun I had in the academy.   

What is your biggest goal you want to accomplish in your first year with MFD?  
I would like to continue to grow my ability and knowledge in the field of Fire and EMS throughout my first year.