Over the next few articles, Captain Jeff Bagwell will introduce you to the people who make up Rural Metro Fire. Rural Metro is a private fire department that’s served most of Knox County on a contractual basis with individual property owners for 40 years. Rural Metro Fire operates 16 (soon to be 17) fire stations in Knox County and provides ALS (Advanced Life Support) first responder services to county residents. If you are not a supporter or subscriber of Rural Metro Fire, now is the time. Call Member Services at 560-0239 to get signed up.
Gibbs Station 234 Blue Shift: This crew boasts lots of young talent that will pay dividends in the years to come.
Michael “Mikey” Robinson Jr. has been with Rural Metro since 2003. Mikey started his career as an explorer (his father has been a reserve for many years) and later a reserve firefighter before joining us full-time. Mikey has served at Station 10, then station 41 (both in West Knox County) and now serves as captain on Blue Shift at Station 34 in Gibbs. Mikey is a licensed National Registry EMT, Fire Officer I and Fire Instructor I. He is very involved in our Training Division, serving as an instructor with the recruit academy as well as helping build props and conducting monthly general drills for department personnel. Mikey is married and lives in North Knox County.
Chris DeMott has been with Rural Metro since 2012. Chris is a senior firefighter and has served at various stations around the county, but most recently was the Watt Road Station 44 before coming to Gibbs last year. Chris is a Level II Firefighter and working toward becoming a fire instructor as well as a critical care paramedic and a registered nurse. Chris is married with five children and lives in North Knox County.
Station 34 has been in Gibbs since 1996 and, after several years at the Ruritan Building, moved to its present location beside the Midway IGA on Tazewell Pike.
2018 Female Fire Camp: Rural Metro is seeking 20 young women (ages 17-25) to participate in the third annual fire camp, set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 12-13, at 10140 Gallows Point. The fire camp is designed to expose young women to careers in fire service. Info: Brooke Brata at 865-607-2787 or Lori.Pierotti@ruralmetrofire.com
Captain Jeff Bagwell is the public information officer for Rural Metro Fire. He writes this column for Knox TN Today each month.