Frances C. Thorpe (Missy)

Beaufort, SC

United States

Profile Information:

Department:

Parris Island Fire & Rescue; Burton Fire District

Title/rank:

Firefighter/Paramedic

Years of public service:

8 yrs of public service, 9 yrs of military service

Agency structure:

Paid fire department

Top issues in your department:

Communication, training, FF safety and survival and leadership.

Professional Qualifications:

IFSAC FF1, FF2, Hazmat Awareness, Operations, and Technician, Driver/Operator, Fire Officer I, II, III, & IV, Fire Instructor I, II, & III, EMACS Hazmat ICS, COBRA Hazmat Technician, Radiological/Nuclear Technician, ARFF, and NREMT-Paramedic

Education:
Certificate in Fire Science
AAS Electronics Engineering Technology
AHS Emergency Medical Technician

Topics you provide training for:

EMS, HAZMAT, rescue training, and fire behavior/live fire training.

Areas of expertise:

I do not consider myself an expert of any subject. I am still a student of my trade and realize that there is something new to learn everyday that I am on the job.

I am a firm believer that if you know it all, then it is time for you to retire.

Bio:

I was first introduced to firefighting while serving in the United States Navy. I was a member of both the in-port and at-sea fire parties. In addition, I had the honor of being a member of the Damage Control Training Team onboard the USS John F. Kennedy. After the Navy I was removed from the fire service until I was reintroduced by a very close friend and mentor, who I am forever grateful.

I have served as a public servant since October 2001 when I became a member of the Burton Fire District as a volunteer firefighter. I caught the bug quickly and soon I left my manufacturing job as a quality assurance inspector and took a job as federal firefighter. This lasted for about six months, and then I went paid at Burton. I remained there until I took a second try at the federal system. I am currently a member of Parris Island Fire and Rescue onboard MCRD. In addition, I am still a member of the Burton Fire District. I serve as both a firefighter and a paramedic in both departments.

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