"I hope to graduate in 2005 with a Fire Science/Paramedic degree from Central Oregon Community College," he said. "Chief (Chuck) Cable, family and friends have been my greatest support.

"Ten years from now I see myself as the best fire/medic I can be."

Schneibel knew pretty early what he wanted to do for a career.

"I was a ride-along with Springfield Fire Department and being able to watch the paramedics work on patients helped me to know my calling."

His brother is Captain Mike Hacket at Springfield Fire Department.

Schneibel is well on his way. In his first year in fire service he earned Rookie of the Year status, he achieved Instructor I rating and became a pumper operator and basic firefighter through Chemeketa Community College. He will receive his Emergency Medical Technician III rating this month.

He encourages others interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter to seriously consider it.

"Being a volunteer is probably the best decision that I have made. The friends that I have in Cloverdale RFPD will last a lifetime," he said.

"Even though we are a small department, we are always striving to become better. I am proud to be a part of such an organization."

Schneibel is married to wife, Brianna, and they have an almost-two-year-old son, Julius.

"I know that on every call I go on, my family is at home praying for my safe return," he said.