Meet Firefighter/EMT Pat Li-Barbour

Where are you stationed?

Fire Station 7 (McKenna Boulevard) on the 'C' shift.

Since graduating the Academy, what are among the most memorable experiences you've had?

I had a call in my territory right across the street from my house my second day at the station. Having been part of the Madison community for awhile, I wondered when I would be serving a community member I knew first-hand. It reemphasized for me the importance of treating each person I came across as if they were my own family or neighbor. It was also cool for my family to see me coming through the neighborhood on the engine to serve our community. Because we work 24-hour shifts, it can be hard for them to understand what I’m doing because they don’t necessarily see it. That experience will stick with me.

Why did you want to pursue this career?

I pursued this career because I had a desire to help people, more specifically to serve the community I love, Madison. I previously volunteered in different areas but still felt like something was missing. I wanted to serve the community in a full-time capacity. I wanted to help people in their moment of crisis. If I’m honest, I also did not want to sit behind a desk anymore because I knew I wanted to do something more hands-on.

What was your career prior to MFD?

I worked in non-profit Christian ministry in Madison. It was a very different experience, but I love how so many people from different backgrounds work for MFD. We bring those diverse experiences to help better serve the community and learn from one another.

How have your skills or knowledge from your past jobs or experiences come in handy at the MFD?

Much of what we do as a firefighter/EMT is customer relations. Many of my past jobs involved heavy human interaction and using interpersonal skills. I find I am often tapping into those skills to better understand and serve the Madison community.

What do you do when you're not working at MFD? Do you have hobbies, specialties, second jobs, or hidden talents to share?

When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my kids and wife. I particularly appreciate that this job allows me to be around my kids more when I am not working, bringing them to school or a local park. During COVID I got into woodworking, and it’s been awesome to build different pieces of furniture for others.