Physical fitness is a part of the workday for firefighters and paramedics, like Jamin Cook.

Rick Gustafson

What I do

I'm a paramedic firefighter for South Metro Fire, station 34. My spot is on the medic unit, but we're dual role, so if there is a structure fire, we're expected to perform the duties of a firefighter just like anyone else on a truck or an engine. If there's a medical or trauma, we're the paramedics who tend to the patient.

My family

I'm married and I've got kids. I coach lacrosse, my boy's U15 Bandits. I have another little boy, and I help coach their team as well.

My passions

Within the fire service, I'm involved with a lot of things, but right now my biggest passion is playing the bagpipes. I'm learning how to play the bagpipes for our Pipes and Drums Corps at South Metro Fire. I've been doing it for nine months. It's not easy.

Traditionally, its part of the fire department, something that goes along with honor guard. We do a lot of fun activities, but the premise of Pipes and Drums and Honor Guard is to pay tribute to fallen firefighters or police officers. The Pipes and Drums Corps goes out to almost all the funerals statewide to pay tribute and honor those who worked hard to get us where we're at and have paved the road.