by Lorie Lewis Ham
In 2020, we are profiling members of the Reedley Fire Department. This interview though is a little bit different as he is not only a part of the Reedley Fire Department, but also Selma. Albert Rodriguez is a Captain with the Reedley Fire Department. He worked as an EMT with the Sequoia Safety Council for 20 years while working with Reedley Fire at the same time. Albert left the Sequoia Safety council when he was offered the job with the Selma Fire Department, but continues to work for Reedley Fire during his days off.
While Albert grew up in Orange Cove, he moved to Reedley 14 years ago. He attended Reedley High School and graduated in 1994, then attended Reedley College and Fresno City College.
KRL: Are you full time or volunteer?
Albert: My full time job is with the Selma Fire Department. I’ve been there just over one year and my rank there is firefighter. With Selma, I work 48 hour shifts. On my days off, I run calls with Reedley Fire on a paid per call basis.
Albert working in Selma
KRL: When did you first know you wanted to be a firefighter?
Albert: It was sometime around my senior year of high school.
KRL: How long have you been one and how long with Reedley Fire Department?
Albert: I’ve been with the Reedley Fire Dept. since 2006. I’ve been a firefighter for 23 years; I started volunteering with the Orange Cove Fire District in 1996.
Albert working in Reedley
KRL: What kind of training did you go through?
Albert: I attended the Fresno City Fire Academy, and also got a degree in Fire Science from Fresno City.
KRL: What do you like best about being a firefighter?
Albert: There’s always something different on the job, we never know what to expect.
KRL: What is the hardest?
Albert: Going to a really difficult call and trying to help someone who is beyond help.
KRL: What is a typical day like for you on the job?
Albert: Responding to calls, preparing for calls by training.
KRL: Do you have any hobbies?
Albert: Working out, staying active.
KRL: Family?
Albert: I am the dad of two girls–11, 13 years old. I have a twin brother who is also with the Reedley Fire Dept.
KRL: Future plans/goals?
Albert: Continue in my career as long as possible
KRL: Anything else you would like to share?
Albert: The Reedley Fire Dept. has allowed me to grow–it has been a good training ground and has allowed me to give back to my community. I like the diversity the department offers.
Watch for many more profiles on Reedley firefighters this year, and you can find even more Reedley articles in our Reedley News section!
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