Firefighter Kyle KampmeierSeventeen new firefighters now serve at a fire station near you! Get to know them by subscribing to the MFD Blog.
 
Where are you stationed?
Station 9 (Midvale Blvd.) on the 'A' shift.
 
Why did you want to pursue this career?
I knew I wanted to become a firefighter since my sophomore year of high school. I was coming home from basketball practice with my dad and while turning onto our road I noticed a bunch of fire trucks and squad cars and activity going on in the nearby field. We knew a lot of the people on the fire department, so we stopped and asked what was going on. One of the firefighters said there had been an explosion from a homemade cannon and a kid was in pretty bad condition. We watched from a distance, but I felt helpless watching all the firefighters work and not being able to help. So, I decided to explore it further, and joined the McFarland Fire Department my senior year of high school. I found I truly do have the energy and passion for the career.
 
Why did you want to work in Madison, for the Madison Fire Department?
Madison has always been home. Since the day I knew I wanted to do this fulltime, Madison has been the department I wanted to be on. There are so many opportunities within the department that I am able to explore, like the HURT, SCUBA team, being a part of union activities, and being a paramedic. The department values its people and that is motivating to me. The people of Madison are like family to me and I want to be able to take care of them in their moment of need.
 
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
It took me ten years of applying to finally get this great job, moving through different departments and learning so much from every one of them. I think the most rewarding part is waking up and knowing my dream of becoming a Madison firefighter has finally came true.
 
Now that you've graduated the Academy, what do you look forward to the most?
I am looking forward to getting out and helping people that need our help.
 
Looking back at the Fire Academy, what was the most challenging element?
The most challenging element was trying to figure out strengths and weaknesses of the class to be able to come together as a team and use them to our advantage to succeed.
 
What advice would you give to someone hoping to join the MFD?
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get hired the first time you apply. If you really want this job, do everything you can to prepare yourself for this rewarding career and it will pay off exponentially in the future.
 
Anything else you'd like to share?
I am so thankful for my family, friends, and coworkers who have pushed me to achieve my goals. Without them I would not be where I am today. Thank you!
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Category: General, Station 9