COURAGE UNDER FIRE

Getting to know the men and women of Daisy Mountain Fire Department
Submitted article ~ 06/9/2010

Steve Herrick has been employed with Daisy Mountain Fire Department since 2007. Steve was originally hired by Daisy Mountain Fire Department as a reserve firefighter (a part-time firefighter that maintains a regular job), and after almost a year was hired as a full-time firefighter. Prior to joining Daisy Mountain Fire Department Steve received his EMT and Hazardous Materials First Responder Certifications. Since joining the department he completed paramedic training, received his license, and now serves our community as a Firefighter/Paramedic, and is also responsible for Public Education on Water Safety. Herrick is currently assigned to C Shift. His position is called a “rover”, which means that rather than being assigned to a particular station, he calls the Battalion Chief at the beginning of every shift and is assigned to a station where someone has called in sick or taken vacation. If neither happens, Herrick works at Station 142 in Anthem on the ladder tender. Herrick has also been a rover on A Shift and B shift – spending about a year on each shift (the fire department has three rotating 24 hour shifts, A, B, and C).
Herrick is 27 years old and was married in February 2010. Both Steve and Heather are huge sports fans and love to go on hikes with their puppy Hunter.

What are your responsibilities as Firefighter, Public Education – Water Safety?

“My responsibilities as a Firefighter start first thing in the morning by checking of the equipment on the truck and personal firefighting gear. With the truck you have to make sure all the medical supplies are stocked and prepared in a way that you and your crew like. Every crew does things a little different so you have to double check and make sure you’re set up the way you need to be for the day. You check your turnouts to make sure your flashlights work and your gear is fire ready so you are prepared if you are called to a fire.
Water Safety’s responsibilities revolve around educating the public, which includes children and adults. Adults need to be educated on how they can safe proof their house if they have young ones at the home and what to watch out for, like the pets’ water dish or proper use of life safety devices. We reach out to the children through the schools and teach them about how to avoid putting themselves in danger of an accident. Also we have them watch out for their younger siblings so hopefully there’s an extra pair of eyes on them”.

What special equipment and/or skills do you use in your position?

“In my position as a rover I have to have to be able to work on all the apparatus that DMFD has. So if I work on the Ladder I have to be able to use the Saws to ventilate during a house fire or if I’m on an engine be able to go interior of the fire and get fire control”.

What kind of training/skills does someone need to become a fire fighter?

“The training starts with education and getting into school to get basic knowledge of how the fire department works. The skills will be taught in class and as well as on the job. Some things can’t be taught and you just have to experience”.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

“The most challenging aspect of my job would have to be my being a rover. I say that because you leave your house not knowing where or who you’re working with, so you can never truly formulate an agenda or know if you have training that day. One thing that you try to do as a firefighter is to have a plan and it’s harder to do when you don’t know where you’re working that day”.

Do you have any message for our community?

“Yes. Parents please be aware of your kids and the dangers that can come from even an inch of water. Even with proper training kids will always be at risk from drowning at any age. Keep fences up, dogs away from little ones around the pool, and always watch your kids around water”.