A Firefighter Who Won't Quit

I recently saw a marvelous story by Firefighter Matt Miles from
CentralPABravest that I had to share. 




Matt writes. “Yesterday while at a FireFighter-Fit workout
session in the Village of Muir, Station 650 Schuylkill County, PA I was lucky
enough to meet a man that re-inspired me in many ways. He was such an inspiration
I asked him if I could share his awesome story on our websites www.CentralPABravest.com
and www.FireFighter-Fit.com



Mark was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis at the young age of 14 after not
being able to get out of bed one morning for school, Transverse Myelitis is a
viral infection that inflamed Mark’s spinal cord and landed him in a wheel
chair for life. This did not stop Marks curiosity of becoming a firefighter at
the young age of 15, only one year after being confined to a wheel chair. Mark
did so well and enjoyed the work we do so much he ended up holding the
positions of President, Vice President and his current position on the House Committee.




Mark also takes an important position on the fireground with Accountability,
Safety and changing SCBA cylinders out. It was also reported to me that Marks
Brothers chocked his wheels at a working fire and he was able to flow a line
and knock down some fire at a defensive operation!!



Along with taking physical fitness very seriously Mark is also a huge advocate
of education in the fire service and holds numerous certifications. But Mark
has a request for the State Fire Commissioner Edward Mann. Mark has a serious
desire to be able to obtain the Certification of Firefighter 1. Mark
understands he is limited due to his disability and will go to any lengths to
work for his practical portion of the certification. Mark wants this for
personal and one other reason, to hold other firefighters accountable on
getting their FF1 and set an example that anyone can do it!



Thanks for your dedication to the Fire Service Mark, I am sure you will
Motivate and Inspire MANY!”





Thanks to Matt for sharing this great story.