NCSFRI Instructor Spotlight
Ben Hess
Assistant Fire Chief Training & Safety
Mooresville Fire-Rescue
Fire / Rescue Experience
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1983-1987: Wooster Township Volunteer Fire-Rescue, OH -- Firefighter / EMT
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1987-Present: Mount-Mourne Volunteer Fire-Rescue, NC -- Captain, Firefighter / EMT
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1998-Present: Mooresville Fire-Rescue, NC -- All ranks through Assistant Fire Chief
What led you to choose to become a Fire-Rescue Instructor?
My passion to give back and to perfect my skill set.
What challenges you have personally faced in your career and what did you do to move beyond them?
The biggest thing is preparation, knowing the task ahead and preparing. Being ready for the general challenges of the job, preparing for promotion or preparing to teach a class, meetings, etc.
What is your favorite course to teach and why?
PPE, then Fire Control. It’s the start and the end of their certification journey. A chance to put the pieces together and prepare them for the Life Lessons ahead.
What advice would you share today with fire and rescue personnel?
Don’t hold back. Give your students all the knowledge and experiences you can. If YOU want it, go get it--no one else will do it for you. Event plus Response = Outcome.
Personal Background
Chief Hess and his lovely wife, Amy have two sons, Hunter and Zack, and they are all big Ohio Buckeyes fans! Buckeyes all way!