DECEMBER 2011 MEMBER PROFILE:

BUDDY HARRIS, 53 Firefighter Engine 16C

Buddy was born in Santa Ana, California and his family moved to Jacksonville when he was 6 months old. Buddy is the youngest of 6 children, he has 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Buddy graduated from Nathan Bedford Forest High School in 1977. He states that the most fun he had in high school was his drafting class.

Buddy met his wife in Maxville and was married there in 1986. Buddy and Nancy have two children and one grandchild.

When we asked what made him want to become a firefighter, Buddy stated that had an occasion to meet several volunteers from Fire Station 31. Bill Spivey was the station captain and along with Billy Estep, and Donald Kreitzman they convinced Buddy to join the volunteers. He became a volunteer firefighter in 1978.

Buddy then went to the Fire Academy and completed minimum standards in 1980. He later attended Florida Junior College and was awarded two AS degrees. One in welding and the other in Marine Electronics..

Buddy was hired by Jacksonville Fire Department in 1988 and his first assignment was Station 2. Lt. Ronnie Drummond was his officer. After a year at #2 Buddy was transferred to Ladder 1 B with Captain “Fatz” Harden, Jim Webber, and Rempert Arnold. Buddy spent 1 year at #1 he was transferred to his old home Station 31 with Lt. George “The Toad” Sherman. From #31 he then went to #32 with Lt. George Hooten. Then finally to his dream Station 16 at the airport with Lt. Craig Smith.

Buddy and his wife Nancy are quite the collectors. Among their prize items are two 1978 Pontiac Trans Am cars. They are both painted gold. These cars have taken a few prizes in different car shows.

Car shows are something that Buddy and Nancy are really involved with. One show that Buddy takes control of is the Firefighters Car Show. All proceeds from this show benefit Camp Amigo, children’s burn camp.  www.campamigo.com This car show is sponsored by Local 122.

Buddy is also very involved with MDA Camp Love as a counselor and entertainment guru.

Buddy also is the owner of “A Professional DJ Service”. To make hauling all his DJ equipment around, Buddy purchased a 1990 ambulance in New Jersey. Buddy restored the ambulance and named it the Jambulance. www.aprodj.com

Buddy also purchased a 1974 Peirce Snorkel Truck with an 85 foot boom in Gainesville, Georgia. Buddy is very generous with his Snorkel and uses it to display an American flag that measures 20ft x 35ft at all firefighter funerals. Buddy also has been asked to display his flag at numerous military funerals. http://www.herostribute.com/

Buddy has always been very active in Local 122. He served as a delegate for a number of years and he is always willing to assist in any way possible. His wife Nancy is always by his side. When Local 122 hosted it’s Christmas Party, Buddy and Nancy were there decorating. www.firemanjax.com

 

	Standing with the snorkel at Jerry Batton's Service
	Talking with Linda Treadwell at Jerry Batton's Service
	Opening the door for family at Jerry Batton's Service