Clinton323web

SALUTE
to First Responders
Why did you decide to be a fireman?
Growing up in the fire station with my dad, who was also a
Clinton firefighter, I decided, early on, to be a fire fighter as well.
How long have you been with the Clinton Fire Department?
I have been with the Clinton Fire Department since February of 2016.
Tell us about your family.
I come from a first responder family. My dad was a fire fighter and
my stepmom is a paramedic. My mom was a 911 dispatcher and
my stepdad is a firefighter. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife,
Mackenzie, for two years, and we have a perfect little girl.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?
The toughest part of my job is being away from my family. Knowing
everything is taken care of at home by my wife makes this a little
easier though.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
I like hunting, fishing, and just being outdoors. I love to smoke
BBQ and invite my friends over to eat and have a good time. I am also
a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Lieutenant
Patrick
VALADIE
CLINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
What are three things on your bucket list?
I would have to say that I haven’t really thought much about my
bucket list. I would like to have tickets to the World Series in St. Louis.
I would also like to be able to have my daughter’s college paid for and
go on a vacation with my wife for a week or so.
Who is someone you admire and why?
The person I most admire is my dad. He is still the person I talk to
about most things. He always finds a way to make things happen.
What advice would you give a young person?
The advice I would give to a younger person is to enjoy the ride.
Don’t stress too much—and have a good work ethic.
Rodric McClain got out of the car to take a photo
of his best friend, Tia Denise Cook of Jackson.
48 • FEBRUARY 2023