Meet Firefighter/EMT Dennis Fuller

Where are you stationed?
Station 3 (Williamson Street) on the ‘A’ shift.

Why did you want to pursue this career?
Honestly, I wanted to help people. That’s been something that has been in me since I was a child. I felt that the fire department was the best opportunity to be able to accomplish that. I really appreciated the way that the firefighters here in Madison treated all the people they ran into with compassion and empathy. That’s what drew me in.
 
Do you feel like you’ve been able to effectively help people?
Absolutely. I’ve been on a couple calls where you see how happy the person is that you’re there, especially when we go for lift assists. They’re like, “Thank you so much. I’m so glad you’re here!” Going in and being with an amazing crew also helps. Everyone is so kind. I have yet to go on a scene and somebody’s like, “I don’t want firefighters here.”
 
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far? 
That I’m actually there, physically helping the community in that moment in time. Even when we go to elementary schools and we put on all the gear for the kids and they’re just so excited to see us. It’s just fantastic. Those are the moments that I just love.
 
What advice would you give to someone hoping to join the MFD?
I would say, be yourself. Going through the process is long, but it’s worth it. In the very end, if you are looking to just help people in general, all of it’s worth it.
 
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? 
I’ve been working in early childhood education for six years. I’m still there; I go there on my days off. Some of the kids came to my academy graduation. They were there for the entire [academy] process as well— I would get to see them and explain to them what I’m doing. Hopefully there’s some future firefighters in my group!
 
I also enjoy dancing and kayaking. I do boxing and Muay Thai. I’ve been doing that for 12 years, and I can teach it too.
 
I’m looking forward to having a long career with MFD!