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Date: 12/17/2019
SOUTHWICK – After two months in his new full-time position as a firefighter and paramedic, Clarke Robinson said he is settling into his new role quickly.
Robinson said that even before he was a full-time paramedic and firefighter, he was with the Southwick Fire Department working on the night shift.
He said that one of the biggest changes for him is moving from the night shift to the day shift. “It’s been a smooth transition but some days it’s been tough, especially having to get up at 6 a.m.,” he said, jokingly.
While his shift time changed, Robinson added that his role with the department has also increased and one of the changes is being the operator and driver for the vehicles, which he did not do when he was part-time.
“My favorite memory so far is operating Engine 1 during a chimney fire recently. It was a big experience for me,” Robinson said.
Robinson explained that while he is a full-time paramedic with the department, he hasn’t started the fire academy quite yet. He noted it is his next goal.
“Right now I’m waiting to get into the fire academy,” he said, “But the line is much longer than I expected so I’m not sure when I’ll start.”
Because he hasn’t finished the academy and received the proper certification for a full-time firefighter, Robinson said his role is limited to primarily driving and operating the vehicles. Once he receives that certification he’ll be able to enter burning buildings and take on the full duties of a firefighter.
So far Robinson said his experience has been great.
“Right now things are a lot busier around here with the cold weather but this is a great group of people to work with and I’m excited for what’s next,” he said.