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.

Over the past few weeks, The Times has profiled some current department volunteers to learn about their experience and how they work volunteering around their other responsibilities.

Jake Adams

This week we check in with Jake Adams who, just last week, got to see firefighting from the opposite side, when his own home and family were threatened by fire. (See story on Page 1.)

Adams, wife of Angela, and dad of Oaklee (5) and Ember (1) began volunteering with Columbia-Walla Walla District No. 2 about six years ago.

"I wanted to be able to help out the community and I picked the fire department. It's really kind of a dying breed of people that are wanting to help. I had a job that allowed me to get away more than others," Adams said.

Adams was farming for Broughton Land Company when he first volunteered. He has since worked for the City of Waitsburg and is now with Papé.

He has had structure, wildland and truck training through the District.

"When it comes to work, sometimes I can respond to a call and sometimes I can't," he said. "Nine out of 10 times, when there is a structure involved, especially a residence, I drop what I'm doing and go. Putting out the fire is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a structure burning. It is also cleanup, putting out hotspots, being there for the community and family that lost their home. We can't expect four guys to put out a fire and then be expected to clean the trucks, clean and roll the hoses and put them away properly and get the trucks for the next fire. Putting out the fire is just the beginning of it. There's so much going on behind the scenes."

Adams says what he enjoys most about being a volunteer is the brotherhood.

"It's a great brotherhood (both ladies and men). We all have a good time whether we're on a fire or having a monthly meeting or training. You've got those guys that you become friends with. It's really nice to go out on fires together, but in times like this . . . it strikes home when you see them show up to help you out – it's a whole different feeling," he said.

Adams said the biggest challenge in volunteering is fitting firefighting around family.

"You may work all day, get home at 6, sit down to eat dinner, get interrupted by a fire and work until midnight. I may not get to see the kids at all that night," he said.

Adams had several thoughts when asked what he would say to someone considering volunteering.

"They will probably enjoy the excitement and the rush. There is a great brotherhood and we've got each other's backs. Just because you're on the department doesn't mean you have to make every fire. We need the help. The more people there are the less work there will be," he said.

"Don't be afraid to come and talk to us. It may be a little intimidating to come into the firehouse and talk to us, but we're open to it. We'd love to sit down and talk about what we do," he added.

Learn more about Columbia-Walla Walla Fire District No. 2 by visiting the District website at http://www.wfd2.org.

Volunteer applications are available for

download on the website as well.