Brenda Edin
I don’t think I’m the only one who wrestled with my decision to become a volunteer firefighter. As a recent transplant to the area, I was hesitant to sign up. Looking back, most of that came down to self-doubt and a handful of misguided concerns. In case you’re contemplating becoming part of the team, let me dispel a few misconceptions that were in my way and shine some light on what to expect.
I need experience to join. Nope. All training is provided. All of it. With online education, regular in-person drills, and optional classes, there is no shortage of opportunities to gain knowledge and experience. Whatever you need to get up to speed, it’s available. If you’re like me and tend to ask a lot of questions, crew members like Fire Commissioner/Captain Philip Haner will patiently and thoughtfully share the insights he’s gained over his 26 years of service as a volunteer firefighter and Wildland Engine Boss in High Prairie.
I’m not sure if I’ll like it. That’s fair. I wasn’t sure either. But if you even think you might, I encourage you to come join us for drills or maintenance nights. I regret not taking Lieutenant/Former Chief Tim Darland up on his invitation to start training with the team before I fully committed. I really should have. His enthusiasm for serving the community (also for 26 years!) was clear from the start, but it was not until I met the rest of the team that I realized how contagious that is. It’s next to impossible not to enjoy something when everyone around you is all in.
The team is going to be all men. Nope. Most of our current members are men, but there are also two women on the team – me and Chief Sarah Hancock. Ladies, you are just as welcome and expected to volunteer as the guys. Men, you should plan to work alongside a stellar group led by Chief Hancock, an experienced EMT and professionally trained firefighter.
OK, but the women will be treated differently. Again, no. I hate to admit that I expected to encounter some machismo at fire before I joined. I’m both humbled and delighted to have that stereotype crushed. Are you dedicated, willing to show up, and excited to learn? If so, expect an enthusiastic lesson in air brakes and learn the ins-and-outs of running a pump from Fire Commissioner and 26- year volunteer firefighter, Captain James Amery. James is the go-to mechanical guy for the team and earnest in his desire for everyone to learn how the equipment works.
It’s too dangerous. Firefighting and medical response do come with some risk – that’s true. But this team is so concerned with personal safety and so protective of each other that you will not be given the chance to respond to an emergency without proper protections in place. Plus, you’ll have people specifically on task to look out for you. Firefighter Ron McDonald has extensive safety training and will point out potential hazards and safeguard your well-being while you’re on a call. Captain Dave Thom will ensure you have the right gear, provide hands-on training as you learn how to communicate on the radio, and fearlessly guide you through your first drive behind the wheel of a fire truck.
It’s a big commitment. This is true. And it’s something to think about. Monthly maintenance nights are on the first Tuesday of every month and training drills happen on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 pm. Then there’s the time spent responding to fires and other emergencies. While it’s not required that you show up to every one of these events, there is an expectation that you will attend as often as able. Not everyone can match Lieutenant Tom McMackin’s 90+% response rate (and that’s in addition to the countless hours he spends training others and working behind the scenes!) but your availability is something to seriously consider.
I don’t want to be on call 24/7/365. You won’t be. You’re a volunteer that is free to control your schedule. It’s expected that you have a job, spend time with family, and generally enjoy a life outside of fire. There is a minimum time requirement for volunteers, but you decide when you will respond to a call. That said, from what I’ve seen, members are typically bummed when they miss a page. Like fellow volunteer James Day, I think most of us are on the lookout for opportunities to help and are genuinely excited to be able to care for others in the community.
I’m a 52-year-old, 5’2” woman who joined the team as a newcomer to High Prairie. No firefighting experience. No professional background in emergency medical response. No understanding of the difference between a fire tender, an engine, or a brush truck. I arrived with nothing more than a desire to participate, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to keep showing up. In return, I’ve found a community of dedicated folks who are eager to bring me up to speed and are genuinely happy to have another person on board. And it’s not just the veteran volunteers. The younger guys like Samuel Holman and Gregory Haner have gone out of their way to offer a kind word, show their support, and let me know I’m part of the High Prairie Fire family.
Though it’s only been six months since I was sworn in, I’ve found a home here. Being part of a team devoted to serving the community has been a pleasure and a source of personal pride. If you’ve been on the fence or wondering if there’s also a place for you with High Prairie Fire, I encourage you to give it a try. Fellow newcomer, Chris Roper, and I will be the first to offer a hearty welcome and introduce you to the rest of the crew. We’re both still green enough to remember the nerve it takes to show up for that very first visit. And if you keep coming back, we’ll be there learning right along with you, sharing high fives and hurrahs when our work together in drills gets put to practice in the field.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer or want to join us for an evening of drills, please reach out via email to volunteer@highprairiefire.com There’s a place for you here.