Meet Tampa Fire Rescue's Mark Pattison

Mark Pattison

Tampa Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedic

Works at: Station 11, 710 E. Fairbanks St.
Joined: 2008
Personal: 33, single
Hometown: Detroit, Mich.

Patch: What do you like most about your job?

Pattison: You never know what you’re going to get day to day. It’s always different, especially in this station. (Station 11 is one of the busiest in the city.) Something’s always happening. If you don’t have a sense of humor or thick skin in and out of the station, good luck.

Patch: How did you become interested in firefighting?

Pattison: My only sister was in a car accident and passed away when I was 19. The firefighters did such a remarkable job with her that they extended her life by two weeks. Then two weeks after my sister died, my mom was having a panic attack. The same crew responded, and they were so compassionate to her. … I think 9/11 played a part in it too. It’s a noble job.

Patch: What’s your most memorable call?

Pattison: My very first fire, in Ybor City. There wasn’t much fire. The captain discovered an 81-year-old woman unconscious in the bathroom. He tried to pull her out and couldn’t, so myself and another firefighter pulled her out.

Patch: What’s your favorite color?

Pattison: Red. It pertains to the job, of course.

Patch: What’s the last movie you saw?

Pattison: “The Hangover.” It’s hilarious.