Meet Firefighter/EMT Dante Booker

Where are you stationed?
Right now, I'm at Station 1 (W. Dayton Street) on the ‘A' shift. 

What did you do before working for MFD? 
Before MFD, I worked in athletics with the UW football team. I moved to Madison from Ohio to join Luke Fickell's coaching staff and give coaching a shot. I assisted in Strength & Conditioning. 

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Akron, Ohio. 

What sparked your passion for the fire service and EMS? 
A service trip to Quito, Ecuador, during college helped me recognize how much purpose I find in serving others. That experience stayed with me and eventually led me toward the fire service and EMS. 

Why did you choose Madison Fire Department? 
I chose MFD because of the people here and because of the city. I love Madison, and I met people in the department who made me feel that this was where I needed to begin my journey in the fire service. 

What was your favorite part of the recruit academy? 
My favorite part of the academy was all the small moments in between the big ones. Cleaning the rigs, taking care of the gear, doing all the morning checks together every single day. Everything was always a genuine group effort.  

What advice would you give someone who wants to become a firefighter/EMT?
Meet as many people involved as you can and get your name out there. Be genuine in the questions you ask and in how you present yourself. Most of all, truly know and remember your “why." That will help carry you through the challenging parts of the process.

What is your earliest memory with a firefighter/EMT or paramedic, and how did it influence your desire to pursue this career? 
One memory that will always stay with me was watching the countless EMS and first responder vehicles rush toward the incident at Abundant Life Christian School. I was driving nearby at that time, and I will always remember the urgency I saw in them to get there and help.