My Experience as a Volunteer Firefighter and the Impact of Bladder Cancer

A huge part of the nation receives its fire protection from volunteers. In Newton County, Indiana, all of the firefighters are local citizens who give part of their time and talents to serve their communities as firefighters.

Watching my father volunteer as a fireman

I am proud of the 5 years I spent among the ranks of the Lincoln Township Volunteer Fire Department. My father was a volunteer fireman when I was very young, and I remember his “call out” sounding in the house and him running out the door. He would take me to the fire station and let me climb on the trucks and run about.

Inquiring about the local fire department

When we moved to Roselawn, I inquired about the fire department and was told, “Outfitting a man costs a lot of money and you're a big guy. If you wash out, the gear will sit for a long time. Live here a couple of years and then come see us.” I was disappointed but I understood the logic. For the next couple of years, I got to know people in the community and in the department.

Becoming a member of the fire department

When I had lived in the area long enough and was known well enough, I was invited to come down and apply. For a full year, I was a “probby”, a probationary member of the department. In reality, it was a year of learning and a year of being hazed. All with the best of intentions and in good humor, but you have to pay your dues. 12 months later, I was voted up as a full member of the department. Badge 523.

Serving my community

For the next several years, I ran all manner of calls, fire, medical, and accidents. We are a small community and very often the calls were people we knew. I was also a coach and a Boy Scout leader, so I knew lots of kids and parents. It was rewarding, to say the least. Being able to offer some comfort or assistance in moments of stress and loss was great.

Bladder cancer and exposure to smoke

When I was diagnosed with bladder cancer, my urologist gave me instructions and warnings about all sorts of things. Of one he was most adamant. I was to have no exposure to smoking. He asked if I had any questions. “What about firefighting?” He looked at me as if my head was turning colors and doing tricks. “Is there smoke involved?” “Yes, but I wear a respirator and use supplied oxygen.” I was trying my best to get his okay. “No firefighting, and no smoke or smoking!”

Retiring from firefighting

This was the moment when my new reality began to take hold. This illness was going to demand its pound of flesh, and for me, that was going to mean resigning from the department. I turned in my letter and was given my helmet as a retirement gift. I had been issued the helmet new when I was voted in. It was smoke-stained from a house fire I got caught in with my Lieutenant. I was lucky to have survived the fire. I am lucky to have survived cancer. Every time I look at that helmet and see the scorching, I remember how lucky I am.