Vote For Your Favorite Firefighter
Each team of firefighters participating in our Fight For Air Climb on February 1, 2020 has the opportunity to nominate one member of their team for Top Firefighter. Each firefighter represents the best of their noble profession and is a competitor in the Jacksonville Fight For Air Climb. We invite you to learn more about our firefighters and to vote for your favorite….or favorites. Each $10 donation allows you to place one vote and you may vote as frequently as you like.
The winner will receive an exclusive prize, plus a breakfast at his/her station, prepared and served by the American Lung Association staff. We will announce our winner at the Climb.
Leaderboard
- Benjie
- Robbie
- Jennifer
BENJIE EARGLE
Climb Team Name: N/A
Fire Department: City of Smyrna, Georgia
How many years have you been a firefighter? 23 years full time for the City of Smyrna, Georgia and 18 years part time (concurrently) for the neighboring City of Austell, Georgia
Why did you choose to become a firefighter and what do you love most about the job? “For me, becoming a firefighter was a childhood dream, and there are many things I love about my job. Firefighters work a full 24 hour shift, spending morning, evening, and night together, which actually makes us more like a family. As firefighters we train and apply a variety of life saving skills including firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, extrication, and rope rescue. However, what I love the most about my job is helping anyone who truly needs help. At a year and a half away from age 60, I’m still living the dream!”
Tell us 2 or 3 unique/fun/interesting things about yourself:
- I began participating in stair climbs when the Fight For Air program came to Atlanta in 2007. To date I’ve participated in 45 climbs, including 32 Fight For Air, 11 Firefighter Memorials, and 2 World Police & Fire Games.
- I love coffee, black and steaming hot!
- I also enjoying spending time off with my wife, children, and grandchildren.
ROBBIE DEYO
Climb Team Name: St. Johns Co Firefighters
Fire Department: St. Johns County Fire & Rescue, Engine 2, Engineer and Paramedic
How many years have you been a firefighter? 7 years.
Why did you choose to become a firefighter and what do you love most about the job? “Growing up, my grandfather was a volunteer firefighter in New York for more than 50 years. I have memories of hearing calls come in through dispatch and going with him on ride-alongs. I knew I wanted to help other people, but I didn’t know if this was something I could really do. As I went through school, met other first responders and learned more, this became my passion. Being in a fire station and experiencing the brotherhood is something hard to explain to others or understand until you live it. I’m lucky to be a part of something so unique and so special.”
Tell us 2 or 3 unique/fun/interesting things about yourself:
- I absolutely love traveling the world to experience other cultures. A few top trips include Nicaragua and a recent trip to Indonesia to surf some of the world’s best waves.
- My son Jordan – where do I start? He is kind, he believes in service to others and I’m just so proud of him. He is currently serving our country in the Air Force.
- I love spending time with my beautiful girlfriend, Nicole. We have run multiple half marathons together and love to travel. We’re on a quest to visit every MLB park!
JENNIFER TODD
Climb Team Name: St. Marys Firefighters
Fire Department: St. Marys Fire Department, St. Marys Georgia
How many years have you been a firefighter? 14 years.
Why did you choose to become a firefighter and what do you love most about the job? “I chose to be a firefighter because I love being challenged both physically and mentally. I enjoy helping people in times of need. I love the family aspect of the fire department. We truly are brothers and sisters. We are always there for each other. I love my job because you never know what to expect each day you report for your shift. ”
Tell us 2 or 3 unique/fun/interesting things about yourself:
- I was born and raised in Iowa but I’ve been living in Georgia for over 20 years. I also spent some time in the U.S. Navy.
- I was a nanny turned firefighter, and I’m now raising 5 and 7 year-old boys.
- I’m an avid runner and I have completed countless races.