Meet The Team: Frank Ratka

"I spent 3 to 4 summer's at the the firehouse with my dad and uncle as a kid. When I was 11 I was apart of my first rescue simulation or training. I repelled down the 5th floor in front of a class that was afraid of heights. I've done rescue work for at least 20 years now. I've worked with men like Brady Devereaux, Logan Reininger, Greg Doggett and Robert Yarbrough. I spent several years in the military performing rescue's, with whatever was available. But you don't have to rescue people if you identify the hazards first...and that's best." -Frank Ratka

Frank Ratka has been with the company for a few years now and has worked as a Rescue Supervisor and is currently our Rescue Team Manager. Under the umbrella of Rescue management Frank also works as our scheduler. Scheduling, is a deceptively simple word for what is actually involved. All eyes are on him when a job needs to be filled. Who will he select as the team? What area's will they be coming from? What was their previous shift like? Who works best together? What level of skill and knowledge will you balance with someone who needs more experience? The list of things to consider goes on and on, and even then it's possible to not cover it all.

That is why someone like Frank Ratka, is well suited for such a job. He is a relaxed fellow, quiet, but whenever he does have something to say it's usually pretty interesting. He's an observant person, a quality that is much needed for this job. As the opening statement show's and as is the case for many individuals that work here or do similar work, he has a legacy of family members and good friends/mentors that taught him how to succeed in this environment.

Frank, it is no understatement that you put in a lot of hard work to keep up with the ever-changing schedule. We thank you for this and for all you do!

Interview

What do you appreciate about F.I.R.S.T.?: " I appreciate the "Can Do" attitude of the people who work at FIRST. FIRST is a company I am proud to work for and has no shortage of opportunities for advancement."

Outside of work what is important to you?: " My family is my first priority. I enjoy my boys and spend as much time as I can with them. Other than that, I don't get much time to do anything else!"

From the Team

"Frank is doing a great job and is very professional and also an overachiever. I really enjoy working with him and it's almost every day and sometimes many times in the day. I even told him that today!!" - Shanna Camp

"Gentle giant. Is a good mentor. Takes care of business and people in a professional manner." -Eric Meyer

"He's calm, cool, and collected. I've known him since he was a snotty nosed little kid. He comes from a good family. He's easy to work with and he's a hard worker. He wants to make sure that the employee's are taken care of. Scheduling can be a thankless job but he works hard at it." - Logan Reininger

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