Brad Peters - Central County Fire & Rescue

Brad Peters

Battalion Chief A-Shift

Served Since 1995

1. Why did you become a firefighter?

My grandfather, brother, two cousins and brother in law are all firefighters, so firefighting is kind of a family tradition.

Being a firefighter wasn’t my original plan.  As a senior in high school we were allowed to participate in a program that allowed you to try what you thought your future career would be.  At the time I was sure I was going into physical therapy so I was placed in the physical therapy department of a hospital.  I found out fast that it wasn’t for me.

Not knowing what to do, I turned to my brother for advice. He suggested I try out the fire service during my second semester.  On my first day I got to see them on a working house fire and I was hooked.  The rest is history.

2. How long have you been with the District?

16 years

3. What is your favorite part of the job?

I truly can’t think of anything bad about my job.  After 16 years I love to come into work as much as my first day.  I guess if I have to choose I would say that I have two favorite parts.  First would be helping our residents and being able to give back to the community.  The second would be the camaraderie that comes with the job; it’s like having a giant second family.

4. What do you like to do outside of work?

I try to travel as much as possible.

5. What would people be surprised to know about you?

That I have a giant flower and vegetable garden.

6. Describe a typical day at the firehouse.

The day starts at 7 a.m. by talking to the off going crew to get details about the previous shift and any pertinent information we may need.   The crew will eat breakfast and review the plans for the day.

After breakfast we will give a thorough check of all apparatus.  At our engine house we have a pumper, reserve pumper and a brush truck.  Once that is complete we will do house cleaning.  Next if the schedule allows we will work out.  After this we usually have assignments during the day including public education, training and building pre-plan inspections. That brings us to dinner which is when we get to wind down and talk about the days events.  All this happens in between calls of which my engine house runs between 5-10 a day.

7. What are two things about your job that people would surprise non-firefighters?

That we really do get cats out of trees!

That our job doesn’t end when our shift is over.  Most people I talk to have no idea how much community service the men and women of our district do on their days off.  It is all part of serving the community no matter what it takes.