Name:

Kevin Shanders

 

Education:

AAS - Paramedic Technology, BS-Biology, Master of Public Administration

 

Family:  

Wife (Lisa) and son (Zachary)

 

Current Occupation:

Battalion Chief / Paramedic at Portland Fire & Rescue, Oregon

 

How many years were you with the University of Alaska Fire Department?

 4 (1982-1986)

 

What is your favorite memory, story, experience, etc. while at the University Fire Department?

I remember being on the aerial for so long spraying water that I had to be carried into the rescue to thaw out.  I was perfectly warm, but my bunker gear had frozen solid on the outside.  I couldn’t lower my arms!

 

Brief History/Biography:

I moved to Wasilla as a kid, and planned on being a Physical Therapist until Mike Murphy talked me into applying at UAFD.  Never looked back.  Attended paramedic school at UAA in 1986, finished my BS at Oregon State the next year. Obtained a graduate degree from Portland State while working for Portland Fire. 

I am currently a Battalion Chief with Portland Fire.  I also respond to wildland interface fires, conflagrations or declared disasters with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office.  Love this job!

I love the Pacific Northwest, but I visit Alaska a couple times each year.  My years at UAF were trying at times, but were also transformative and I will always think of them fondly.