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, and then flashing lights followed by the big red or yellow fire trucks, headed somewhere in a hurry. The truck doors bear either the “Colorado Sierra” or “High Country” seal. Working together under the “Timberline” name, the folks inside are our emergency responders. 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 firefighters; they really are Jacks-(and Jills)-of-all fires.
Hot Shot of the Week-David Yerkman
Eighteen-year-old David Yerkman graduated from Gilpin County High School last June and within a few days will be headed off to college. At the University of Northern Colorado, Yerkman’s studies will lay the groundwork for a degree in Fire Science- a degree he’ll finish at Colorado State University. He’s looking forward to life as a professional firefighter, what volunteer firefighters call “going career,” but it was Yerkman’s experience as a volunteer firefighter close to home that set his future’s course.
Last year, under the direction of Assistant Fire Chief Chris Schimanskey, the Colorado Sierra Fire Protection District (CSFPD) implemented a cadet firefighter program for high school juniors and seniors. Yerkman was one of two Gilpin students, with another from Nederland High School, who signed up. (He admits his motivation was a girl telling him that “firefighters are hot.”) What he found, was a calling. “I fell in love with it,” he said.
After several months of training, Yerkman was issued a pager and began responding to emergency calls. He recently “graduated” from cadet to firefighter. “I love it,” he said, elaborating “I love everything about it.” Volunteer firefighters are called for all kinds of emergencies, including many “medical” calls like motor vehicle accidents. Some firefighters aren’t comfortable with the “medical” aspect but Yerkman likes it all. “There’s an adrenalin rush when that pager goes off,” he explained, “and you know you can help.” Yerkman said he realizes that call could be as important as someone’s house burning or saving a life, but the importance of responding was really driven home for Yerkman August 4th, when he responded to what was originally called “a smoke sighting.” It was a plane crash. Fire Service responders were also on the scene, he said, but that call, “was a little rough.”
Yerkman finds driving the big trucks “exciting” but a little tricky. They are really big, he emphasized and then, when they’re full of water – well, “you have to be careful not to take the curves too fast, but you’re still running emergent so you’re trying to go fast.” It’s a balance he’s managed so far. Locals spotted Yerkman at the wheel of CSFPD’s engine at the Fourth of July parade in Nederland.
The physical part of firefighting is no problem for Yerkman who was involved in athletics throughout high school, so “carrying hose is no problem.” He expects the mental part of training – Firefighter One and HazMat (hazardous materials) courses to be tougher. That’s okay with Yerkman, in fact everything about his volunteer firefighting experience has been “Awesome!” He plans to continue volunteering whenever he’s available, generally during college breaks. The way he sees it, “It’s better to have more hands on a scene than not enough.”
Yerkman said firefighting isn’t for everybody, but he recommends the cadet program for high school students with an interest. “Everyone is so friendly,” he said of the cadet program and working with the CSFPD and High Country Fire Protection District (HCFPD) firefighters who make up the Timberline force. Training starts with radio operations, traffic control and other safety issues. “As long as you follow directions, you’re fine,” he assured.
CSFPD and HCFPD expect to complete a merger under the Timberline name sometime in 2011. The fire protection districts, with seven stations, span Gilpin County from south of Black Hawk, north into Boulder County (the Magnolia Road area), bordering Jefferson County in some areas to the east, and extending west to the Moffat Tunnel area.
Think you can do this job? Timberline (http://timberlinefire.org) is currently recruiting volunteers. Ask any of these Hot Shots for the nitty-gritty or call 303-582-5786 or 303-582-5768 for more information.
Don’t miss the firefighter demonstrations at the Gilpin County Fair this weekend. Look for those really big trucks and you’re sure to find some of these Hot Shots, happy to tell you all about volunteer firefighting.