Do you know this volunteer firefighter?
Introducing our hottest citizens
The sound of a siren travels far in the thin air of our mountain communities. That’s usually what folks notice first. Those on the road might see the flashing lights next, followed by the big red or yellow fire trucks headed somewhere in a hurry. As a truck passes by, they might catch its “Colorado Sierra” or “High Country” logo. At the scene, they’ll see the word “Timberline” on these emergency responders’ coats. Ever wonder who’s behind the wheel? Who is that under that helmet and heavy bunker gear? Chances are it’s a friend or neighbor, someone you know but maybe didn’t know was working hard to protect your life and property as a volunteer firefighter. Over the next several months, the Weekly Register-Call will be introducing you to these amazing individuals. In the firefighting world, a “Hot Shot” is a firefighter who specializes in fighting wild land fires, however we’re coining that term for our local jacks (and jills)-of-all fires, firefighters (and considering our location, we’re not out of line). Below is our first-
Hot Shot of the Week
Christopher Patrick, known in the local firefighting world as “Chrispy,” became a volunteer firefighter three years ago. Single (“and available,” he says), Chrispy attended graduate school and now works full-time as a Regional Manager for the United States Government. When he’s not occupied with work or firefighting duties, he still finds time for his other interests – Jeeping, camping, recreational sports, and dogs.
Chrispy said he signed up as a volunteer firefighter because he wanted to be of service to his community (and to drive big red trucks). He describes himself as healthy, physically strong and capable – except “I’m probably a few pounds overweight.” He’s frequently spotted working out at the Community Center after work.
For Chrispy, everything about being a firefighter is work, but it’s fun work, like playing hockey or skiing, and that makes the work easier. Learning all of the technical and procedural knowledge, making the correct radio calls for example, and being able to think through the adrenaline rush that occurs on calls, is what he finds most challenging about the job. The personal satisfaction, “feeling like you’ve done your job,” is the best experience of firefighting, said Chrispy. A successful outcome – a “save” – always feels good. Water supply is challenging in our area and even the department’s largest engines carry roughly a minute to a minute and a half of water on board. That’s enough to “knock down” a fire from outside, Chrispy notes, but not enough for firefighters to safely enter a burning structure. Being part of the teamwork that keeps the water coming, keeps everyone safe and saves a life or property, well that feels pretty good to firefighters. Responding to a call when someone has passed away is Chrispy’s “worst case scenario.” A volunteer responding to that call must deal not only with the deceased, but sometimes with family members and close friends who are under a great amount of emotional stress.
Words of advice for prospective volunteers: Expect to make a commitment of time (in addition to responding to calls, there are trainings and operational activities) and expect to respond to all calls, “not just the “glory” calls like fires, but also the 2 a.m. stomachaches or smoke sightings that turn out to be just fog.”
Chrispy wants the community to know, “We’re here to serve.” He’s Lieutenant of Timberline Station 7, the station located mid-Gilpin County near Taggert’s convenience store/ gas station. “I will do my best to ensure that the folks responding to your emergency will have the proper training, attitude and equipment to deal with just about anything we get called for,” he assured. Asked to provide one word that best describes his experience as a firefighter in our mountain community, Chrispy responded: “Fulfilling.”
Timberline Fire is made up of volunteers from Colorado Sierra and High Country Fire Protection Districts who respond together. The two volunteer departments expect to complete a merger under the Timberline name sometime in 2011. The fire protection district, with seven stations, spans Gilpin County from south of Black Hawk, north into Boulder County (the Magnolia Road area). It borders Jefferson County in some areas to the east, and extends west to the Moffat Tunnel area.
Think you can do this job? Timberline (http://timberlinefire.org) is currently recruiting volunteers. Anyone interested should call 303-582-5786 or 303-582-5768.