Future Plans

Future Plans
By: Jared Black

Since I was young my best friend and I have been involved in and around the local fire department. We have been able to see first-hand what goes on behind the scenes in the station, in drills, and even when dispatch reports a call on a fire or car accident or any other incidents in which the department can respond to. All of this exposure has greatly encouraged me to follow this profession once I graduate from Platte Canyon in May.

Beginning in May I will begin my seven month term on a Type Two AI Crew based out of Platte Canyon Fire Department. We will travel across different parts of the country responding to major wildfires and will for most of the summer be away from home. However, when at home the crew will be on call as we are the first response unit for any wildland fire that occurs in Park County and a few of the surrounding counties. Among fighting fires we will also be reducing fuels on private land.

Alongside my best friend there are two other rookies that will be participating on the crew until November. We will work beside very experienced crewmembers that have fought wildland fires in the military, the forest service, and on other hotshot crews.

I will be able to learn the aspects of fighting fire from some of the best squad and crew bosses in the country.

After I finish with the crew I will be attending a fire academy to further my knowledge on fire prevention and suppression. With my knowledge gained from wildland suppression this summer, I will be able to include it into a wide range of knowledge that I will hopefully gain from a fire-science degree. This knowledge will help to present me with opportunities for a future in structure and wildland fire suppression.

Growing up with the department has really encouraged me to be a part of it. Now that I am old enough I am employed with the department and will be participating with the crew this upcoming summer. It is something that I know I will enjoy now and will enjoy in the future.