Highlighting Nelson Ramirez

There was never a time that Nelson Ramirez did not want to be a fireman. Even though he has wanted to be a firefighter all his life, Nelson says, “I really did not know what was involved in being a professional firefighter. It is a lot more than I expected. We are given the opportunity and are encouraged to constantly train. Our medical training is on-going. As a whole, the force is dedicated and disciplined. Not only do I, but we all take pride in our job and know we have to perform to the very best and give two hundred per cent.”

In Belize,

Central America, Nelson lived down the street from the fire station. “I constantly saw guys go into dangerous situations, rescuing, saving and helping people. That is what I wanted to do.” When he was eleven, he became a volunteer with that same fire department. He said he will never forget his first fire. He was twelve and still remembers feeling the heat against his face.

Nelson went to the fire academy at Miami-Dade College, became a paramedic, and received his EMS degree. He sent his resume to Marco Island, Ft. Myers, and Boca Raton, but he was hopeful Marco would be where he would be

offered a position! When he interviewed on Marco he was welcomed. The cohesiveness of the unit reminded him of a huge family. He has been a firefighter on Marco for almost two years. Nelson is married and has one son and another baby boy due any day.

Asked what the citizens of Marco can do to make life easier for our emergency personnel, Nelson answers, “Don’t drink and drive, and please respect the law.” He goes on to say, “I can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing. Every day I get up and thank God that I am doing this work and

living my American Dream.”

Dumbbell Squat

Type of exercise: For Strength

Main Muscle Worked: Quadriceps

Other Muscles: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back

Equipment: Dumbbell

Level: Beginner

Step 1: Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs)

Position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance. Maintain a straight back.

Step 2: Begin to slowly lower your torso by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. TIP: If

you perform the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past the toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knees.

Begin to raise your torso as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot mainly as you straighten the legs again.

Step 3 and 4: With back straight left and alternate legs a)with legs bent and b) with legs straight.

GO back to the starting position. Be cautious with the weight used. In doubt, use less weight rather than more.