Cory Cox was born and raised in Shasta County. After graduating from West Valley High School in 2007, he decided that working in the fire service is what he wanted to do with his future. Cox has a cousin who is a firefighter at another department. Cox and one of his friends decided to attend the Shasta College Fire Academy together; however, only Cory graduated from the 40th Academy. Cox plans to pursue his degree in Fire Technology and earn his paramedic certificate.
Cox hired on as a seasonal firefighter last year with the Anderson Fire Protection District. Cox said he chose the Anderson fire district because of its excellent reputation and high call volume which will add to his experience. Cox said his first six months at the district were tough, in terms of time spent at two stations, working at the academy from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and then going to the Anderson Station to work and train, leaving him with a minimal amount of sleep. Cox kept on working through this and still enjoys every minute of his career choice, he said.
Currently Cox is on volunteer status and attends classes at Shasta College. When he finishes his education, he would like to hire on permanently. Cox's long term goal is to become fire chief at a department.
Cox enjoys the fire service because it is a job that allows him to help people without having to try and sell himself to do a job, showing people what he can do. His favorite types of calls are structure fires. Cox has been on four working structure fires and 20 other 9-1-1 structure fires called in.
"Working on a structure fire gives you an adrenaline rush, you anticipate what will happen on the call. It is almost like playing sports, you have to be mentally preparing a game plan, waiting for the chief's orders. I would like to some day have the chance to make the first interior search and be able to save someone's life," Cox said.
While volunteering at the district and going to school, Cox also works as a personal trainer. He enjoys working with people helping them to get in shape, build muscle and lose weight.
"One of my clients recently lost 56 pounds in less than a year, learning to eat right and working out," said Cox. "It gives me a sense of accomplishment that I've helped someone change their life in whatever way possible for the better."
Cox also said he enjoys the relationship he has with his fellow firefighters and Chief Andy Nichols.
"Andy Nichols is well qualified to do the job as chief of the Anderson Fire Department. He is a hardworking gentleman. He is easy to get along with and spend time talking to. It is important to have some one like that to work for in this field, someone you are not afraid to talk to," said Cox.
When not working and going to school, Cox enjoys being able to attend his brother Levi's football games at West Valley. In all of the years his brother has been playing football, Cox has only missed three games because he had to work.
Name: Cory Cox.
Born where and when: Redding, 1989.
Occupation: Firefighter.
Marital Status: Available and looking.
Family: Mother Andrea Harris, father Rob Cox, step-mom Karin Cox, step-dad Richard Harris and brother Levi Cox.
Pets: A German Shepherd named Jade. She is my new puppy.
My worst job: Making sandwiches.
My first job: My worst job was my first job.
In my spare time I: Exercise, socialize with friends, watch football, read, play X-Box Live, and just about every sporting activity.
My favorite book: "A Bold Piece of Humanity" by Bill O'Reilly.
My favorite movie: Hangover.
My favorite recording artist: U2.
My dream car: A Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.
My friends like me because: I am gallant, sincere and I am a person without any negative intentions towards any individual.
If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: A yacht with all my family, friends and unlimited supply of food and water. Also legal paperwork, stating I own the island.
The one thing in life I've learned is: The better person/team doesn't always win.
The best advice my parents gave me: Only make a statement if you can stand behind it.
My most embarrassing moment was: While playing junior-senior baseball in Shasta Lake, I tripped on home plate during a game-winning run and fell face first in the dirt, then got up and jumped on the fence while celebrating and fell again.
My most irrational act: I chalked every parking space at West Valley "'07" the night before our "Day on the Green," car show. Yeah, that was me, Mr. Karl Stemmler.
My most valued material possession: Currently, my puppy.
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