Firefighter Focus

As longtime volunteer firefighters are retiring, the local volunteer pool continues to dwindle. With less than 20 active volunteer firefighters and four EMTs, Columbia-Walla Walla Fire No. 2 is actively recruiting new volunteers.

On June 8, the department will be on hand to answer questions about the department and volunteering at Spark in the Park in Prescott. The department, along with LifeFlight, will be in the Prescott Park from 1-4 p.m. Volunteers will also man a booth at Pomegranate Park (between the Tuxedo Bar & Grill and Prescott Library) from 5-8:30, while The FrogHollow Band performs in the park.

Over the next few weeks, The Times will profile some current department volunteers to learn about their experiences and how they work volunteering around the other responsibilities.

First, a clarification to last week's profile of Jamie Allen. While Allen is the only female firefighter volunteer, there are two more female EMT volunteers, Sharon Brooks and Sandra Morrison.

This week we talk with Jason Kaehler who, along with volunteer David Moser, are both National Guard volunteers and some of the newest Fire District volunteers.

Jason Kaehler

Kaehler has volunteered with the District for about two years. He volunteers as a firefighter but does assist with medical calls and has a valid first aid and CPR card. He has had various forms of training through his work as a first line supervisor at the Washington State Penitentiary and through his military training.

"I was raised in this community and I know a lot of people here. It means a lot to me to volunteer my time to help out the community. It is important to me when there is an emergency, that there is a local face that people are familiar with responding to help them," Kaehler said. "Also, I think that it is time for the younger generation to step up to support this amazing community."

Along with his full-time job at the penitentiary, Kaehler serves in the Army National Guard, is a member of the Waitsburg School Board and is a husband and father of two.

"It is difficult to juggle all my time but I make it work the best I can. This is a volunteer program so when a call is toned out and I am at home, I definitely go. Knowing that someone is in need of help is what strives me to be a part of this department. The fire department has some of the most amazing and knowledgeable people I have met with all different types of training," he said.

Kaehler said his military experience has made him appreciate Waitsburg even more.

"I have been in the military for about 11 years. If there is a flood, fire or another state emergency I really want to be able to help people. I was deployed with the national guard right after high school (2003). During my deployment to Iraq I had an eye-opening experience as to how great I had it growing up in a safe and small community," he said.

When it comes to the best part of volunteering in Waitsburg, Kaehler points to his fellow volunteers.

"Knowing that I am helping people in need but also I enjoy the people I volunteer with. Miguel Castillo, Jake Long, Jason Taylor, Colter Mohney, Matt Spring, Justin Gagnon, and Alex Dill (I am sure I am forgetting some) have surely helped me more than I can describe. All these guys also leave their jobs, their families, and their relaxing time to respond to a call for help. These guys don't want recognition for what they do but I think they deserve it," he said.

Kaehler said the most challenging part of the job is juggling his time as well as "learning on the fly."

"Fortunately, there are great people in this department that want to teach you," he said.

Kaehler strongly encourages anyone interested in volunteering to make that step.

"Nike said it best 'Just do it.' We are in need of volunteers and if you love this community as much as we do please come down and fill out an application. This is a volunteer program so make a call when you can. These guys are very welcoming and love this community. It is a family," he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can talk to any volunteer or stop by the Fire No. 2 booth at Spark in the Park in Prescott on June 8 for more information.