Andy McGillivray

Photos by Greg Derr

Firefighter, Whitman

Tell us about yourself.

“My philosophy is ... to treat people as you want to be treated. It is a good rule to live by.”

“I keep a calm, somewhat relaxed attitude in all situations, to keep patients calm and reassured.”

“The key to my happiness is to have good times with family and friends.”

THE SKINNY

RANK: Firefighter-paramedic

AGE: 44

HIRED IN WHITMAN: 1999

BIO: McGillivray, the department’s advanced life support coordinator, grew up in Dorchester and graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston in 1983. He has been an EMT since 1984 and a paramedic since 1994. He is responsible for the department’s EMT and paramedic medical training as well as maintaining ambulance licensing. He lives in Weymouth with his wife of 19 years, Susan, and their children, Lauren, 12, and Brendan, 8. McGillivray is a drummer in the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drums.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?“I have always wanted to be a firefighter.”

What would you have been if not a firefighter?“I probably would have ended up in building technology or construction.”

Best advice you ever got: “To treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Person who gave it to you: A high school teacher.

What do you do in your spare time? Spends time at children’s sports events, band practices and events, boating and getting together with friends.