Meet-A-Medic: Clinical Specialist — Damon Fogley
Hi! I’m Damon Fogley — veteran, entrepreneur, first responder. I am also a franchisee/owner of 3 JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchise territories. I’m very active in my community in the City of Kyle where I’m currently serving on a 3-year term as the a City Council Representative. I’m also active with my VFW as the Treasurer. My background is in public service, which is why I joined ATCEMS. I received a Bachelors in Sociology from California State University Long Beach, and my Masters degree in Public Administration from Texas State University. I started working for ATCEMS in the summer of 2006, and have enjoyed it ever since. I currently work the two Del Valle trucks at Medic 30 and Medic 24.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Austin?
I am originally from southern California. The main reason I came to Austin was because I had family here and when I was in the military, I had an assignment in San Antonio and really enjoyed Texas.
What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice?
I worked for a private ambulance company (AMR) doing 911 in the Riverside County California area and wanted to continue running 911 calls in a fast paced, fast growth area. I also wanted to find a career that offered a competitive salary, benefits and retirement package and thought ATCEMS was a great fit for that. ATCEMS also offered an easy transition from being in the military to the civilian world.
How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here?
12 years as of August. I wanted to serve on one of the rescue teams and wound up being on rescue for several years. The specialty teams attracted me to this field and the competitive salary, along with the benefits/retirement package that comes with begin a City of Austin employee. I also liked the fact that the trucks had new equipment and state of the art technology.
What is your favorite part about working here at ATCEMS?
We have a great working relationship with other public safety agencies and our chain of command. I have many commitments outside of ATCEMS and the schedule we have affords me the opportunity to fulfill these obligations (24 on, 72 off). The workplace setting is great — you can work both urban and rural stations. I also like the workload balance (busy and slow station pairings during the bid process).
If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them?
I would take them to see the view at Pennybacker Bridge at night time.
What is your favorite taco joint in town?
Marias Xpress on South Lamar Blvd.
What do you do on your days to relax and unwind?
I play sand volleyball and soccer. I also enjoy reading, playing poker, and traveling. I will be going on a river cruise on the Danube River in July.
Who inspires you?
I like to watch Shark Tank and listen to the investor’s discussions. I like Marcus Lemonis because he is very business savvy. He can turn a business around very quickly to make it profitable and identify their shortfalls. I watch all of his shows on CNBC.
What is the next place you would like to visit? Why?
I have enjoyed traveling to Asian countries and have visited Thailand, Philippines and China. I have always admired Japanese culture, so next on my list is Japan!
Word of advice for an aspiring medic?
Just because you did not “save” someone’s life on a call does not mean you did not make a difference in your patient’s life…Providing care is providing care. To the patient, it matters.
Always put your safety and your partner’s safety before anything else.
Interested in a career with ATCEMS? Contact our Recruiting team at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov or give us a call at 512–974–1098. You can find dates for the hiring process elements here.
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This publication features ATCEMS work culture and the lives of our medics. *Readings from other publications posted to Medium do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Austin-Travis County EMS, the City of Austin, or Travis County*
