You just never know what you will learn at a community event.
For instance, Scott Campbell, assistant fire chief in Monee, is not a newbie to the fire service. He’s been a firefighter for 43 years and a paramedic for 34.
He’s seen just about everything awful over the years, and you would think that nothing much could scare him.
But he’s always aware that something even worse could show up at the next emergency call.
“Fear,” he says, “is a big part of this occupation.”
That’s in line with the probability most people don’t understand just how difficult the job is.
Campbell and his colleagues hosted their annual Open House last week to promote fire safety. It was a great opportunity to get to know a little more about local firefighters.
“For the longest time, those who are not close to the fire service don’t understand the time, training, and sacrifice it takes to do this job,” he said.
“You need to be mentally strong. The day-to-day can be monotonous and broken up with sheer chaos. You need to be prepared for both. Physical limitations may be overcome with work and experience, but over time you must stay in good physical condition. The job will take its toll physically.”
If you wanted to know about the fire service or how to work an ambulance call, Monee Fire Station was the place to be on Saturday. Firefighter/Paramedics were there to answer questions and maybe even give some career advice. -Photo by Karen Haave.
As for fear, he suggests that “You should always be somewhat fearful but have education and training to guide you.”
With that in mind, he advises working hard “no matter what. Education and training will make the job more enjoyable.”
As an assistant chief and more experienced firefighter/paramedic, Campbell wants to see those just starting their careers succeed.
When he looks around the firehouse, he said, “I see a new beginning. These younger people in this occupation have a different view. It is our job to share with them on a level that is beneficial to all involved.”
That said, he had one more important thought to share, especially newcomers.
“People new to our district should know we are there for them,” he said. “We are just a phone call away.”
For his part, Chief Carl Nieland still loves his job, even after 34 years.
He is one of the lucky ones, he said, because “I look forward to getting up every morning and going to work. I have no regrets. I get to do a lot of things other people don’t get to do.
“I’ve got a great (fire district) board of trustees. I’ve got a great group of guys working with me. And I’ve got the support of the community.
“It’s just been a great experience.”