Family: As a child, Walter did well in school. At home, he was lonely in a family of jocks that did not appreciate him; the only times he felt accepted were when he visited the firehouse next-door. His family admires him now that he's a firefighter, but do they love him for him? He's uncertain about being 100% open with them about anything.
Education/training: Walter became a firefighter at age 25, and by 30, he had passed the exam to become a ladder operator. He has a bachelor's degree in Fire Science. He aims to be a lieutenant someday.
On the job for: 10 years
Reason for becoming a firefighter: Walter thought he would like the life of order and companionship being a fireman offered. He also knew he would be able to advance in the department if he worked hard and worked smart.
Hobbies/lifestyle: Walter's work is his life. He is devoted to the firefighters union and his union leadership position. He is writing a book on the history of the Webster Fire Department. He is the town's safety officer, teaching kids about fire safety. Walter is concerned with keeping things organized; he keeps the ladder and the station in order.
He bike rides and lives alone. Walter is very straight-laced. He does not drink much or at all. He reads newspapers and advice columns. He thinks he's great at Jeopardy and trivia. He misses nothing that happens around him; he is very observant. He understands and predicts how things work together. He accepts a concept, relationship, or person, without trial: for example, he excepts Bette as a probie almost immediately. He still thinks she's a mouth, though.
Personality/relationships: Walter tries to date, but he is unsuccessful at moving a relationship beyond the first date. He is too logical and reasonable for his own good. He is a workaholic who works extra shifts on the ladder truck, is part of the union, goes to conventions and hangs out with his squad mates. He does not like to go home and be alone in his house.
What Frost says about his inability to have a good relationship:
"I have troubles with women, but thank god they're not my whole life. When I'm on a date, I do something wrong; I'm not sure what. They say I talk, but don't say anything important. They say they don't know 'the real me.' What's to know? This station, this job, is my life. I'm a good catch, but I don't really need a woman to be happy."
WHAT TICKS HIM OFF ABOUT FELLOW FIREFIGHTER STUART WEST?
"Now, Stuart West, I mean, I like him, but he settles for Monica, who's a bloodsucker. Why can't he be smart and do what I do? He'll never learn until it's too late. Unless I try to change his ways."
