Jake's Place
The ongoing story of a new webmaster (And
why I am losing my hair!! I am convinced that HTML stand
s
for Hair To Mostly Leave!!)
As I update this site often. If a page does not display properly, please hit REFRESH each time you revisit a page!! I am sorry for the inconvenience, I will attempt to correct the problem!
Contents
Kayak
Building NEW
Work Information
Fire Captain
I am a Fire Captain with a fire department in the Puget Sound area of Washington. The community I serve is approximately 30 square miles, with a population of approximately 40,000.
We utilize three stations and a minimum staffing of 14 paid firefighters. We staff three engines, two aid cars and cross staff a ladder, haz-mat, and rescue rigs.
Key responsibilities
I am the IT representative for the department that I work for. This entails the coordination of changes to the network, e-mail and programs to no less than 30 desktop and 5 laptop computers. I am also a line fire supervisor. This also entails all facets of fire suppression and haz-mat mitigation as well as EMS. I typically supervise 4-5 individuals though the number can rise to 13 or more depending on the situation.
Effective January 1. 2002 I have also taken on the role as the Communications Officer for the Department. This involves the coordination and maintenance of all of the portable/mobile radios, cellular phones, and paging equipment within the Department. We utilize both 800mhz and VHF radios and frequencies, as well as alpha-numeric paging.
As with most organizations, my areas of responsibility change daily. There is never a dull moment when I show up for work!!
Hot List
View some pictures of Boulder
Colorado here
For some awesome
firefighter artwork check out Michael Patterson's artwork at www.FirefighterArt.com .
Michael is a firefighter in the same department that I work for. He is also
on the same shift as myself. He is very passionate about his work and it really
shows!!
oneoceankayaks.com
has a wealth of information about building cedar strip kayaks. This is where
I purchased the plans for the kayak that I am building.
Contact Information
Electronic mail address
Web address
http://home.attbi.com/~jwentz4
Current Projects
E-Gov.
This is a project that explores the possibilities of electronic government. With the assistance of the Innovative Groups, based in Colorado, we are exploring the potentials of interactive government. This is a very challenging and complex project when you take the time to step back and view its potential impacts from different perspectives. This project will undoubtedly carry on for several years before even the smallest steps are taken to implement it.
E-mail.
In June 2001 I will be implementing (with the assistance of the City's IS Department) e-mail for the remainder of our firefighters. This may sound like a small project, though the preliminary estimates are 40-80 hours just on my end to help set up the additional profiles and links for all new and existing users.
WebPages.
As stated above, this is my first website. I will be continually trying to learn and update not only this site but my own network as well. I am sure that the experience I gain will also carry over into my professional responsibilities. The City is always looking for people with the knowledge and talents to publish web-pages and to assist with the ongoing needs in IT.
Kayak Building.
I have completed an interesting endeavor, building a strip-built Cedar kayak. For more information and related photos and commentary click here.
Fire Instruction.
I am an instructor at the Bates Technical College in Tacoma Washington as well as an instructor for the Washington State Fire Academy. My fields of expertise are in Fire Inspection Techniques, Sprinkler Systems/Alarm systems and Building Construction. I have also spoken before the IAAI in Southern Oregon.
My presentations are interactive with the audience. I utilize Powerpoint and MANY photos throughout.
If you are interested in having me speak to your organization, please drop me a line (e-mail, phone call, what- ever).
Biographical Information
14 year in the Fire Service.
IFCI certified Fire Code Inspector: 1997 (UFC) 2000 (UFC), 2000 (IFC)
1 year Fire Inspector.
2 years Deputy Fire Marshal.
1.5 Year Fire Captain.
Fire instructor 1 (WA St.)
5 years commercial construction experience.
8 years residential construction experience.
Personal Interests
I have many interests. Some of which are by virtue of my job description.
Woodworking and the building of boats , lathe work and furniture building (I want to build a guitar, someday).
I have an interest in computers and computer technology (this is the one related to my job). I find it fascinating while at times very frustrating.
Last Revised: January 1. 2002