CFPD Volunteer Firefighter Doug Ungari attends County Fire Academy

Doug Ungari had always dreamed of a job in law enforcement, in fact he was slated to attend the police academy and work in Stanislaus County prior to the economy's downturn and the subsequent downsizing of Police Departments. With his hopes still intact he took a job with a water delivery service and continued his efforts to find work in the civil service field.

When the opportunity presented itself to become a volunteer firefighter, the young father of two jumped at the chance to serve his community. Now enrolled at the Calaveras County Volunteer Firefighter Academy Ungari says he is really enjoying the challenge.

Ungari, having been out of school for a few years found that the classroom environment was difficult to adjust to, "a lot of information to take in and remember." The first part of the course required a substantial amount of medical training to complete certification in First Responder, while he was told this would be the most difficult part of the course Ungari found that he thoroughly enjoyed it. With his brother being an EMT and his sister a RN, Ungari can now join their ranks in the medical field as a certified First Responder. Now that the actual fire fighting section has begun he is heading into that part of the training with little trepidation and a lot of excitement.

While he stills hopes to some day be able to work in law enforcement, he is glad that he can serve his community in this capacity, joking that "everyone loves a firefighter."

His mother is excited for him. His wife Kim is very supportive and his children are proud, his son "likes to try on the gear."