"My philosophy is to be particular about doing a good job in the field, getting it done to the best of your ability, and don't sweat the rest."

"This philosophy relates to my job because I believe you try to be reasonable and responsible with everything you do."

"The thing I do best is to try and remain calm and collected so that emotions do not affect my ability to serve the public."

"The key to my happiness is to know at the end of the day that I did the best I could to do my job."

THE SKINNY

RANK: Lieutenant

AGE:50

BIO: Becker grew up in Rockland and graduated from Rockland High School in 1976. He was hired as a part-time Hanson call firefighter in 1980 and went full time in 1984. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1990. He is the department's building-and-grounds and apparatus-and-equipment officer. He is also the department grant writer and secured a $200,000 grant for self-contained breathing apparatus. He lives in Hanson with his wife of 23 years, Cheryle, and their son, Tyler, 16.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A veterinarian

What would you have been if not a firefighter? "Small-engine mechanic, which is what I used to do before."

Best advice you ever got?"When you are a leader or in charge and have something that you go to that is really bad, no matter how bad it seems ... try not to ever show it on the outside. ...It will benefit you and everyone to stay calm, and they will keep their confidence in you as their leader."

Person who gave it to you? Former Hanson Deputy Chief Joseph Deminico.

What do you do in your spare time? "I play and coach hockey and also snowmobile and boat at my mother-in-law's camp at Moosehead Lake in Maine."