Meet a Bloomington Firefighter

Dmitriy Yablochkin has been a part-time member of the Bloomington Fire Department for nearly eight years. He holds an associate degree in fire science and a paramedic diploma. He is also a full-time firefighter/paramedic for the City of Burnsville. Prior to that, he was an emergency room technician.

A friend originally suggested Yablochkin would make a good firefighter, so he tried it and loved it.

“There are so many reasons I love being a firefighter,” said Yablochkin. “Building a comradery with other firefighters, the ability to help someone having a really bad day, and the opportunity and the responsibility of having the younger generation look up to you, just to name a few.”

Yablochkin gives all the credit to his wife Carolyn for supporting him in
this career.

“Since the beginning, through my education and becoming a firefighter to this moment, she deserves the highest praise for managing home life during long, irregular hours and the unpredictable schedule.”

When he is not on duty, Yablochkin spends time with family, including his two sons, Ethan, 7, and Isaac, 5, who love to shoot a bow and play soccer in the back yard.

Dmitriy’s fire safety advice

Remember to always be present when cooking. Have a clean area around the burners and turn pan handles in to prevent curious children from pulling on them and causing accidents.