At the Sep 10, 2012 board meeting the Affton Fire Protection District Board of Directors authorized Chief Jim Fritz to offer employment to three firefighter/paramedic applicants. Chief Fritz recommended hiring Firefighter/Paramedic Zach Absolon, James Cripps and Ashton Lake to bring the District’s total manpower level to 34.
Zach Absolon has worked closely with St. Louis County Police in various community outreach programs. He brings one and a half years of experience at St. Anthony Medical Center Emergency Department and a well developed relationship with current emergency department staff. Zach has been a Reserve Firefighter with Affton since January of 2012. Zach is assigned to Affton House 1 and will be under the direction of Acting Captain Chris Videmschek and Lieutenant Aaron Rhodes on the District’s A shift.
James Cripps began donating time to our community as a Reserve Firefighter with the District in May 2011. Jim is a regular volunteer with the March of Dimes Organization and spends his down time with his wife and 2 ½ year old son. Jimmy (as he prefers to be called) will be working at House 1 under Captain Steve Davila and Lieutenant Steve Rahm on B shift.
Ashton Lake spent 2 years on one of the St. Louis City Fire Department’s busiest ambulances and 5 years prior to that at Boone County Fire District. He attended the Paramedic Program at the University of Missouri and has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Ashton will be assigned to House 1 with Captain Jim Cova and Lieutenant Don Woolem on C shift.
These newest employees mark the second phase of the District’s restructuring plan that will end with a second full-time ambulance serving the community. They are very excited to be a part of our team and are looking forward to providing you with the very best EMS care and fire protection services.
