Potential Recruits Get Hands-On Firefighting Experience

When Jason Midgarden became a new dad last year, one of his first trips was to the Golden Valley Fire Department for instruction on how to install a car seat correctly. Now Midgarden is one of 23 area residents who are learning more about joining the department.

The fire department hosted its first recruitment expo Thursday evening where attendees got a hands-on experience, donning fire gear, climbing the ladder truck, handling the fire hose and using extrication equipment to tear the doors off of two cars.

“It’s great that they’re doing this,” said Midgarden, a stay-at-home dad to 18-month-old Evelyn.

Midgarden, whose brother-in-law is a firefighter in Plymouth, saw a sign advertising the expo while out for a run and said he thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more.

Jamie Kelahan, of Crystal, who currently works in information technology, said he wanted to find out more after meeting a volunteer firefighter with the department who sparked his interest.

“Over the last couple of years I’ve thought that I wanted to do something to get more involved with the community whether it be government or volunteering,” Kelahan said.

Throughout the evening, Kelahan and the rest of the participants heard first-hand experiences from current firefighters about how they balance the work with their lives and what they enjoy about working for the department.

Steve Baker, fire education specialist, said he wanted the potential recruits gain a real understanding of all of the requirements and benefits to being a firefighter.

“I get an opportunity to serve with 50 other firefighters that range [in experience] from one year to 34 years, and being a firefighter has helped them more than they can explain in their everyday life and their regular jobs,” Baker said.

Baker added the benefits range from physical strength to mental problem-solving skills to the emotional camaraderie earned through the department.

Golden Valley Fire Chief Mark Kuhnly said the expo was the kickoff to its annual recruitment efforts and he was very happy with the turnout.

The fire department will continue its recruitment efforts with information sessions Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building at 7800 Golden Valley Rd.