Throughout the Upper Peninsula firefighters lead departments with countless years of experience. 2nd Assistant Fire Chief in Houghton, Dan Salo says across the region departments need young members to join. Before older crews begin to retire. So, they can share their experience and knowledge with the next generation.
Three firefighters from the city of Houghton plan to retire. Firefighters Mcgowen, Foltz, and Anderson will take plenty of memories with the crew in and community. As well as taking with them more than 100 years of firefighting knowledge, leadership, and experience. Salo says when he joined the department 11 years ago it was interesting to learn from them and encouraging to feel a feeling of fraternity among the crew.
The stuff that they’ve taught us is family, family, family. The department is one big family. Together when we’re working, we’re here to keep people safe. Ah anytime we’re on scene, we’re looking for things that haven’t happened yet before they happen. – Dan Salo, 2nd assistance chief, city of Houghton fire department
Training to become a firefighter in the Copper Country starts with filling out an application. New fire fighters start training with the Copper Country Volunteer Firefighter’s Association’s training program.
There’s a practical test. You’ll pitch a ladder, put an air pack on, use a fire hose, and then after all of that, there’s a couple other little things not tying, but they teach you everything you would need to know with it. So on the written test, that’s usually the part that people are scared of. The wording on the questions, it’s meant to see if you retained the knowledge that they tried to put into you during the class. – Dan Salo, 2nd assistance chief, city of Houghton fire department
Every department has different trucks, access to various equipment, and separate standards. Salo says once new fire fighters join the Houghton fire department, they are taught how to use each fire engine truck, hose and house storage techniques, and more.
Basically anything you would need to work a fire scene. Ah the biggest thing is camaraderie and working well with the people around you. As long as you can do that, there’s nothing that we can’t accomplish. – Dan Salo, 2nd assistance chief, city of Houghton fire department
On Saturday, the Houghton fire department will help the police department at Treat Street. Salo welcomes anyone from around the area, whether you live in the city or not, to join the community. When they stop and talk with a fire department member and learn more about what it takes to become a fire fighter in Copper Country. Those interested in joining the city of Houghton fire department can find an application online. Also check in with your local fire department or auxiliary and learn about ways to support fire departments across the Upper Peninsula.
