Terry Scortt. To some, it is a random name that you may google and find some interesting facts. To others, he is a loyal friend. To many, he is a person who has dedicated over 36 years of service to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)...Working his way up through years to where he is now as Battalion Chief.
For me, I have have the honor and privilege to call Terry Scortt, my Dad.
As a Battalion Chief, he has dedicated so many years to being the best that he can be for his men and women who work along side him. Terry is not one that just does one job. He is one that makes sure if he is going to do a job, he will make sure it is done right. That being said, he has adopted several different hats to wear within the department.
One of the many hats he wears is working with the K-9 Urban Search and Rescue team. With this group he was was able to spend a great deal of time working after Hurricane Katrina along side his men, women, and K-9 peers.
He is also one of the driving forces that helps make the Fire Explorer program that OCFA puts on for teens and young adults to see if they really want to become a fire fighter. They are put through various trainings that give these people a great idea of the demands it takes to be a successful fire fighter.
Terry is a guy who is incredibly humble and hard working. He has a huge heart and goes out of his way to make sure that everyone is well taken care of and safe. I have seen him work endlessly to make sure all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed.
I have had the honor of spending many holidays in the fire station with all the wonderful families that become your own, and they are some of the best memories I have. The holidays, you see, are days that the rest of us enjoy, while the men and women at the fire department work endlessly to keep us safe. Yes, many holidays were spent at the fire station..... wouldn't have changed it for a minute.
I have been able to learn so many great qualities from him. I learned to know what is expected, and how to achieve and work hard to that goal with dignity and honor. Another one of his qualities we were taught was attention to detail...How to be a hard worker, dedicated to a job and the people around you...Going above and beyond for others because it is the right thing and just what you do.
As we approach December 22, 2014, OCFA will be left with huge shoes to fill because my Dad will be retiring. (The family is taking bets to see how long he lasts with his big idea of doing nothing... he is going to go stir crazy...So be looking for him as the next over -the-top WalMart greeter. He will be the on with the ear piece talking into his sleeve trying to feel important.)
In all seriousness, Thank you, Dad, for everything and all your hard work for providing a life for us with so many great memories.
Welcome to retirement!
Count dow has begun..
Here is a video clip with a shout from the news people. My Dad's next 15 minutes of fame:
Some other videos that my Dad was in that you can find if you are one of the people who just googled him. :)
