MOMENTS OF MEANING: TELLING STORIES OF HOW FAITH, SHAPED IN THIS COMMUNITY, HAS HELPED SOMEONE FIND MEANING IN THEIR LIFE.
Why are you a fire fighter? Where do you find meaning in your work?
In short, I love the job. I enjoy the variety of calls, the physicality, the adrenaline rush and comradery of those I work alongside. However, even more so I have always found great satisfaction in helping others and being a firefighter provides a consistent and tangible opportunity to do just that. My fire career started after attending an informational meeting hosted by the Plymouth Fire Department in 2013. It was one of those God inspiring moments where I left that meeting feeling as though being there was divine intervention. It was obvious that it was the path I should take and I applied as soon as I could. I can sum up this part of my life in one word: Appreciation. I get the privilege to do a job that no matter how much I put in, I get more in return.
What is hard about being a firefighter? What causes you stress, and how do you handle it?
Life is not always fair and there are certainly situations that are hard to explain or understand. As a firefighter/first responder, we have greater exposure to these types of life’s realities. I handle the tough parts by finding time to pray for the individual or family as soon as I can. Diminished sleep (due to night calls) is probably my biggest stressor. As a coping mechanism, I recently started to meditate and have found it extremely beneficial.
Where is God showing up in your work, and how does being a part of Mount Olivet influence you?
As an imperfect child of God’s, I attempt to wake every morning with a sense of gratitude & purpose and ask that HIS will be done in my life that day. God shows up in the interactions with the people of the community we serve. There are plenty of calls that are not life and death in nature but rather someone called 911 because they needed help. We get to show up and help resolve their issue. You may never again cross paths with that person so I try to take the opportunity to leave a positive impression. I find meaning and purpose in my faith and my family. I take pride in being a provider for my wife and children and know those blessings are a direct result of God’s love. Being a part of Mount Olivet has allowed me the opportunity to strengthen my faith, connect more deeply in my faith journey, and further engrain me in our community.