VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025 Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article. The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode. LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES, Volunteer Fire Fighter by Robert Hardy, Fire Chief for Pine Valley Fire Department, Narrated by David Heaton using AI-assisted voice. I came to firefighting rather late in life after working as a pharmacist for many years. I had heard about a volunteer fire department in Pine Valley where our family had purchased a cabin. As I approached retirement, I spoke to the fire chief about getting involved. Feeling for a pulse on my arm, he told me that I was qualified. As I started to attend the training meetings, it felt like entering a foreign world with a whole new language that I had to learn. The other members of the department were very kind to me and helped me quickly learn what I needed to do and how to do it safely. That was eight years ago; now I’m the fire chief! I’ve learned that a well-functioning volunteer fire department needs people to fill different roles; not everyone needs to be able to spray water from a fire hose. And while having a pulse is helpful, the most important qualifier is being good-hearted. The most common reason our members are in the department is that they want to serve the community, and they contribute as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, scene support personnel, communication specialists, logistics personnel, drone pilots, clerical staff, mental health liaison, grant writing specialists, training specialists, equipment maintenance, station support and maintenance, safety specialists, and supply management. If a person is willing to serve, we’ll find a place for them. Many of us are retired professionals from many walks of life, men and women with knowledge and skills that match the needs of the fire department. I would encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to their local fire chief and see what volunteer opportunities are available.