Firefighter Brennan Boughton

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Where are you stationed?
Fire Station 10 (Troy Drive) on the A shift.

Why did you want to pursue this career?
I started out as a volunteer firefighter back in my hometown while I was high school. Volunteer firefighting has been in my family for years and I followed the footsteps of my grandfather, father, uncles, and so on. Being able to help people in their time of need, being a part of a community, and the unpredictability of the job made me want to take the next step from volunteer to full-time career firefighter.

Why did you want to work in Madison, for the Madison Fire Department?
Madison Fire is one of the premier departments in the country and is progressive in many ways. The core values the department stands for and promotes make every member of the team valued. MFD gives each member an opportunity to be promoted throughout the ranks and explore different specialties within the department.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
Meeting the people I get to serve on behalf of Madison Fire. Simple kind gestures really go a long way with people, and promoting that through the fire department really makes this job rewarding.

Since graduating the Academy, what are the most memorable experiences you've had?
I think everyone will remember their first fire. Mine came within my second week out in the field. Engine 10 was first due and arrived to find black smoke from the second story. We forced entry and made a quick attack and extinguished the fire.

Looking back at the Fire Academy, what was the most challenging element?
Trying to juggle home life, with my wife and two-year-old daughter, and the workload of the academy. I was fortunate to have such a great support network of family and friends that understood the time commitment that goes with the academy. The Training Division did a great job preparing our family for the challenges ahead and how they could support us through the academy.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to join the MFD?
If this job is what you want, don’t stop applying and don’t become discouraged. Look for ways to make yourself better between hiring processes. Join a volunteer fire department, obtain fire and EMS certification, continue post-high school education, stay physically fit and active, and find volunteer work within your community. All of these things relate to traits and values MFD looks for in candidates.

This content is free for use with credit to the City of Madison - Fire and a link back to the original post.

Category: General, Station 10