FCFRD News Blog : #MeetFCFRD: Technician Alex Fischer

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog:

June 30, 2021

Technician Alex Fischer is currently assigned to Station 8, Annandale, B-Shift, and has served as a firefighter and paramedic with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) for approximately seven years.

Growing up just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Technician Fischer knew as a teenager that he wanted a career in the fire and rescue service. Having a dad who was a career firefighter in Montgomery County, Maryland certainly played a large role. Coming from a family full of civil servants, firefighters and police officers amplified that and instilled in Technician Fischer a desire to serve and help others.

Early on, Technician Fischer’s goal was to get hired by a department in the Washington – Metropolitan area. To further that goal, Technician Fischer joined his local volunteer department at the age of 18. He quickly earned certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. Technician Fischer knew that to really standout as a candidate for any fire and rescue department, obtaining certification as a paramedic would be a huge plus. The paramedic certification training in Pennsylvania was an associate degree level program. Technician Fischer worked during the day and attended paramedic school at night.

Once certified as a paramedic, he quickly landed a local job as a paramedic and, soon after, started applying to fire and rescue departments in the Washington – Metropolitan area. In 2014, Technician Fischer was hired by FCFRD and would eventually undergo training as a member of Recruit School 137.

Prior to leaving his hometown, Technician Fischer wrestled with a very personal issue – whether to tell family and friends he was gay. Of concern was that he would potentially lose some friends and family members as a result. Before he left for recruit school, Technician Fischer decided to come out. Technician Fischer felt that if it did not go well, at least he was already on his way to a new start. Turns out his fear was unfounded. No family member or friend cared or had an issue. It was a positive experience and left Technician Fischer disappointed he did not do it sooner.

Over the last seven years, Technician Fischer has worked at Stations 5 (Franconia), 28 (Seven Corners) and his current assignment at 8 (Annandale). In 2018 he became certified as a preceptor for new FCFRD paramedics and has worked with three paramedic students since.

Technician Fischer is proudly out and reports he has not had a single negative experience with FCFRD. He indicated that moving to the DC region and joining FCFRD, “is the best decision I have ever made in my life.”   

He believes a big reason for the positive experience is that FCFRD is diverse, with a variety of people who have different backgrounds. Technician Fischer has found that when people of different backgrounds get together, are willing to listen and become educated about a topic – they do not care. It is what you do not know that causes fear and misunderstanding.

Technician Fischer hopes to be promoted up the ranks during his career and is currently in the promotional process for Lieutenant. He has had many incredible mentors throughout his journey and is determined to pay it forward.   

Have you wondered what it would be like to #JoinTeamFCFRD? Contact our recruiters at fire.recruitment@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 246-3939 to learn more about a career.

This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.