The profile of a firefighter conjures up images of a well-trained, skilled, dedicated, fast, brave, first-on-the-scene hero. All suited up in protective gear that looks appropriate for a lunar landing, one might look like another, but who is behind that mask? Who is the person who would risk his or her own life to save another’s?
Hinton has several well-known and long-time firefighters, so it is not surprising to see one of them in emergencies. But not all of them are men and not all of them are aging. What many in our community would like to see is more interest from young people, a new generation of compassionate and dedicated volunteers in the firefighting field.
The profile of Summers County’s future firefighters may come with the face of 16-year-old Junior Firefighter Phoebe Davidson. Raised by two fire-battling parents, Phoebe has firefighting in her blood. She pays attention to details, and often accompanies her dad, Station 13 Fire Chief Brian Cale, to fire emergencies. Too young to be certified, Davidson finds ways to help at the scene of fires.
Davidson has responded to fire calls with her dad many times, and many of the fires have been horrible. She and her family still hurt when they remember the scene of firefighters trying to rescue people from a burning home.
“Sometimes,” she says, “there’s only so much firefighters can do; then it’s in God’s hands.”
In the heat of the moment, every thought is about fighting a blaze and saving lives. Davidson reflected on the aftermath of a traumatic loss of life.
“After a bad firefight, even though my family may not have known the victim(s) personally,” she finds her family grieving with the grieving family and that she and her parents go through the whole process, too.
“When we have done all we can if a family loses all of their belongings in a house fire, I find myself grateful for the things we have and the things they don’t have anymore,” Davidson said.
Until Davidson turns 18 and can take a Firefighter 1 certification test when she knows her role is to be helpful. Most things she simply isn’t allowed to do, but she observes everything.
“I have seen many car wrecks, maybe over 50,” she said. “Even though I am not able to do much, I can run errands, get equipment or ropes, and though there’s a limit to what I can do, I’m learning what’s required. It’s a good learning experience.”
It can be demanding work — grueling, emotionally challenging and dangerous, but Phoebe says she’s a firefighter.
“I’ve watched my parents leave to fight fires when they are called. It doesn’t matter, night or day, and I’ve always wanted to help people, and knowing if you don’t get up and go no one else will,” Davidson said.
The six volunteer fire departments cover 358 square miles. New firefighters and dedicated volunteers are needed, Davidson explained. She is a junior firefighter along with her friend Jason McClung. Firefighters are essential and most get the bug when they are young. The city of Hinton’s Fire Department’s two top brass, Ray Pivont and Steve Pack, started fighting fires when they were 17.
The city of Hinton’s Fire Department has six paid members and all the rest of the county’s force of firefighters is comprised of volunteers. These volunteers are dedicated, work for free and regularly save lives, and love what they do anytime they are called upon.
COVID-19 has impacted fundraising efforts for all non-profits and our fire stations are no exception. Zero compensation is paid to volunteer firefighters by victims of fires and car wrecks, and much of the time they may feel they are underappreciated. Anytime is a good time to thank your volunteers or contribute to your local VFD.
