| I joined the department in June of 2014, continuing a long family tradition in the fire service. My great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and uncles were all members before me, making me the fourth generation of my family to join Selden FD. My great-grandfather, grandfather, and one of his brothers all served as Chief of the Department, and the rest of my family members held the rank of Captain of Truck Company 1. Being able to continue that legacy as an Ex-Captain of Truck Company 1 means a lot to me.
Over the years, being part of this department has given me a strong sense of purpose and the opportunity to help people when they need it most. That feeling of being able to make a difference is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
When I first joined, I quickly realized that being part of the fire department takes a lot of work. But at the same time, it is incredibly rewarding and worth every bit of effort you put into it.
Serving in the department has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It teaches you how to work as part of a team, and if you choose to move up through the ranks, you learn leadership and how to manage people effectively.
If I had to give advice to someone who might be nervous about training, I would say that training is exactly where mistakes are supposed to happen. That’s how you learn. No one is perfect, and no matter how much training you complete, there is always something new to learn.
Balancing the fire department with work and family life can sometimes be challenging, but anything worth doing requires some sacrifice. It’s up to each individual to find the balance that works best for them.
What keeps me motivated to stay involved is both the tradition behind it and the enjoyment I get from serving with the members of this department.
One thing I’d like people to understand about volunteering is that just because we’re volunteers doesn’t mean we’re any less qualified or capable than someone who is paid to do the same job. Our members put in countless hours of training and dedication to serve this community.
Outside of the fire department, I work as a dispatcher for the Sheriff’s Office, a position I’ve held for about five years. When I’m not working or responding to calls, I enjoy spending time with my wife and going fishing whenever I get the chance.
Being a member of the Selden Fire Department gives you a higher purpose. It pushes you to challenge yourself mentally and physically, while also giving you the opportunity to meet new people and build lifelong friendships along the way. |
