Millstadt Fire Department: Volunteers, Because We Care

After hearing about the final project for this course, I immediately knew what I wanted to focus on. Firefighting has been a part of my family for multiple generations, so I felt that this was an appropriate choice, seeing that it has impacted our lives in so many ways. To help share the story of firefighting and how important it is to my family and I, I spent some time at Millstadt Fire Department, which is located in my hometown of Millstadt, IL. Millstadt Fire Department is the oldest existing volunteer fire department in Illinois, and this honorable title would not be possible without the dedication and bravery of all of the Millstadt firemen who serve the community.

I wanted to start off this blog post with a powerful, clear-cut image, and I think this photo fits that description. This picture features a lot of the gear that the firemen wear out on their calls, whether it be a structure fire, a car accident, or a CO (carbon monoxide) call. These men exhibit the definition of bravery by putting their lives on the line with only this gear to protect them from harm. Some of the gear includes the turnout coat and pants, boots, helmet, and SCBA (self contain breathing air) masks. The SCBA masks allow the firefighters to breathe in smoke-filled buildings.

Pictured to the right is a map of the town/township of Millstadt, which is located inside of the front office at the fire department. This is very helpful for the firemen because it allows them to find the exact location of where they are going so they can arrive as quickly as possible.

The next two pictures are some up close pictures of my dad's gear. I really love the picture of his coat because it proudly displays his last name at the bottom. Displaying the names in reflective writing is very beneficial because it allows the firefighters to identify one another during their calls. If the firemen are ever working at night when it's dark or inside of a smoke-filled building, they can still identify and see each other because of the reflectors and last name. You can also see a small portion of my dad's old coat hanging up next to his newer one. His old coat is tattered and torn from the years of service that he put into it. I admire him and the rest of the men for their bravery and dedication.






This photo shows a pair of my dad's older boots, which are stained and worn from several incidences, including house fires and car accidents. I really love this up close image because you can see almost every detail.

Hydraulic rescue tools are very important when it comes to rescue missions. Several of the car accidents that the firemen respond to involve the use of this tool, which is commonly referred to as the Jaws of Life. I think this term is completely appropriate because it makes the impossible possible. It was really awesome to be able to see this rescue tool up close and in person.

Continuing with the theme of my previous picture, this photo is another common rescue tool that firemen use. You can see that it has been put to good use because of all of the marks and scrapes that appear on it. This tool can be used in a variety of situations, especially within structure fires to help cut through debris and travel throughout the building.

The photo to the left shows Millstadt Fire Department's newest fire truck, which is four years old now. This is my favorite truck that the fire department owns because of the American flag that is featured on the very front. They are showing off their pride for the community along with their pride for the country. You can also see that everything is at a much larger scale on the fire truck, including the windshield, headlights, and windshield wipers.

I thought this was a unique photo because of all of the different colors. The color coding of the hoses makes it easier for the engineer to know which hose to charge and fill with water. Color coding is a great idea because it saves time and effort in intense situations.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, firefighting has been around in my family for decades. My grandpa (dad's father), my dad, and now my brother have all participated or are currently involved in this amazing organization. My brother just recently joined and is still completing his schooling and training. The newer members are identified by the yellow plates on their helmets, which can be seen in this photo.

I chose this picture as one of my last photos of this post because it brings together the entire idea of Millstadt Fire Department. Every fireman, including the board members and officers, volunteers their time in order to protect the community of Millstadt and make this organization successful. There is no monetary reward for all that they do. Their reward is the feeling of providing service to the community and giving back to those who need their help in times of emergency and crisis. Their reward is the feeling of saving someone's home, vehicle, or most importantly, life. They are volunteers, because they care.

I didn't take this picture myself, but it is hanging up in my basement next to other firefighter memorabilia and decorations. This photo includes several Millstadt firemen, including my dad in the top right, at the site of an apartment building that the department burned for use of training ten years ago. Even though it was for training, I think this image really captures the entire idea of firefighting. These guys step into dangerous situations with bravery and courage to lead them to a solution. Their main goal is to protect their community and provide service to those in need. I can think of several words to describe them, but selfless, brave, and courageous are at the top of my list. I admire my grandpa, my father, my brother, and every firefighter for their commitment and bravery that they exhibit every day on every call. I don't know where we'd be without the impact that firefighting has made on my family and community. I am so thankful for the Millstadt Fire Department and the opportunities, friendships, and life lessons that it has created for my family and I.

"When I am called to duty, God

Wherever Flames may rage,

Give me the strength to save some life

Whatever be its age."