Dennis Argyrakis, 26 /EMPLOYER: Elmwood Park Fire Department / SALARY RANGE: $30,000 to $50,000
Why did you choose this field?
I had the opportunity to work for the Geneva Fire Department part-time, and from Day 1 I knew that was the career path I was going to choose. Being a firefighter and paramedic, I always have a sense of accomplishment when I go home, that I was able to help somebody.
I like being able to help out members of the community. I’ve had other jobs where you go home at the end of the day and don’t have a sense of satisfaction, but that’s not the case with this job.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Geneva Community High School in 1991 and then went to Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, where I worked on my associate’s degree and got the feel for different fields. I was planning on getting a degree in journalism, but was exploring different options. I eventually decided to become a firefighter and paramedic.
To become a fireman for the Geneva Fire Department, I had to go to a fire academy for about a year. I was paid about $15,000 during that time. Then I became a Class 2 State of Illinois certified firefighter. I was a firefighter for four years before I went to paramedic school. I had to ride for 480 hours with two paramedics. I did my riding in Elmwood Park, and that’s when I got introduced to the Elmwood Park Fire Department.
Firemen are always taking classes to find out about new technology and the different ways of putting fires out. And as a paramedic, I have to constantly keep current with new procedures in the medical field. So I travel to different hospitals, such as Elmhurst Memorial and Good Samaritan, to take the paramedic courses. You get certificates when you complete different courses; you’re pretty much learning throughout your career, and the fire department pays for the training.
Describe an average day.
On an average day, I come in to work at 8 a.m and work until 8 the next morning. I work one 24-hour day and then have two days off. As soon as I get in, I help check out all the equipment and make sure all the engines are gassed, the lights work, there’s oil, make sure the pump runs, the tools work and our air packs and gear are in working order. Then we have to clean all of the equipment and clean the station. We then break for lunch, and in the afternoon we do extrication training (cutting cars apart, getting people out of cars after car accidents) at the station.
We also do ladder training and training with ropes . . . every day after lunch we have this kind of training for about two hours. Then after that, we do one-and-one-half hours of physical fitness training. We have a weight gym downstairs in the fire station where we can work out. But we get interrupted by calls pretty frequently. We average about 8 to 10 calls a day.
What’s the best thing about your job?
It can be very rewarding at times. The other day I was at the grocery store shopping with another paramedic and a man came up and thanked us for saving his wife’s life. His kids were with him, and they thanked us, too. Also, when you see a kid’s eyes light up when you pull up to the scene, or you go to a school to give a talk and kids ask questions and look up to you, that’s pretty rewarding.
I also like dealing with people and talking to them on an individual basis. It’s rewarding educating and helping the public; for example, when we’re doing fire inspections of local businesses, or even when someone comes into the station to get his blood pressure checked.
I remember a call we got where a child was bitten by a dog and he was terrified. We took him into the back of the ambulance, talked to him, and by the time we got to the hospital, he was calm. Now he comes by the fire station and visits quite frequently.
I like the fact that my job is never the same thing twice. I always have to think and stay a step ahead. I work with a great bunch of guys; it’s like a family.
The worst thing?
Dealing with sick and injured children can be difficult. AnD sometimes I can be up all night taking care of someone, and the next day I’m too tired to spend time with my family. I see a lot of people who are injured and traumatized, and that wears on you.
What three attributes are essential to doing your job well?
Honesty is important. People have to know that they can trust you. They’re pretty vulnerable when you show up at their house; they’re sick or injured, or their house is on fire. You also have to have a good work ethic. We do some intense work and keep long hours. And you have to be able to keep up and be physically fit.
Where will you go from here?
I think I’ll be staying in this job; it’s my career, it’s what I chose. I think I’ll be in this job 30 years or more, and maybe going up in the ranks and becoming an officer.
What advice would you give to people interested in this area?
A lot of community colleges offer fire science classes. It’s a good way to get a good view of what the field is all about. Many fire departments are requiring associates degrees. You can also just get in touch with your local fire department and perhaps become a volunteer and ride along with the firefighters.
———-
Send comments or suggestions to tribjobs@tribune.com
