Giving back is the best part… For volunteer firefighter, giving back is the most rewarding part of the job
Published 4:25 pm Thursday, July 9, 2020
- Photo Contributed Brandon Wooten has been a volunteer firefighter with the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for 14 years.
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The term volunteer applies to someone who freely offers to undertake a task or risk. The word “volunteer” can also be matched with “hero” when addressing volunteer firefighters.
Brandon Wooten has served as a volunteer firefighter for the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for 14 years.
“My favorite part about the job is giving back to the community and being there when needed,” he said.
Wooten serves as the safety officer/president. He also works for the City of Elizabethton WWTP.
Wooten described what being in a fire is like.
“It’s a rush like no other,” he said. “You never know what is going to happen because you’re unsure of how safe the structure really is. That’s where years of training come in to play, so you don’t put yourself and others in harm’s way.”
Wooten said the hardest part of his job is scenes of loss.
“The worst memories on the job are seeing people hurt or lose loved ones,” he explained. “But we have to do our best and be fast when we arrive on the scene to help whoever is in need.”
Wooten explained that to cope with the bad parts of the job, he turns to his faith.
“God has never let me down,” Wooten said.
Despite the obstacles one faces as a volunteer firefighter, Wooten explained that it’s worth it.
“It’s a good way to give back,” he said. “There will be times when you are woken up at 3 a.m. for a call even though you have work the next day. Your family dinners and events might get interrupted, but you have to be ready at all times of the day.
“We always go. The people in the community depend on you.”
To those wanting to become a volunteer firefighter, he says welcome.
“Join our local volunteer fire department,” he said. “We are always looking for someone willing to learn.”
Wooten concluded by defining the connections formed with his fellow firefighters.
“It’s a great brotherhood to be a part of. Once you’ve been in it for so long, it’s just hard to walk away.”
