Firefighter Ruth SavardEighteen new firefighters now serve at a fire station near you! Check back daily and get to know them.

Where are you stationed?
I'm at Station 5 (Cottage Grove Rd.) on the C shift.

Why did you want to pursue this career?
The duties and responsibilities of a firefighter encompass so many of the qualities I've been searching for, not just in a job but in a lifelong calling. I’ve always been interested, and have some training, in the medical field.  Serving as an EMT and responding to the medical needs of individuals in the community will allow me to utilize those skills in a variety of settings. I've also worked in a number of service-oriented positions and spend a great deal of time volunteering in the community. I take great pleasure in determining a need and then setting out to do what I can to meet that need by helping and serving others.

Having over ten years of experience in an office setting has provided me with great skills, but has also taught me that I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day. I want to be active. I'm looking forward to being challenged both mentally and physically. My three career aspirations – medical care, community service, and being actively challenged – all intersect in this profession.

Why did you want to work in Madison, for the Madison Fire Department?
Madison is the city in which I was born and raised, and I am proud of it. It is a beautiful and diverse city. I'm hopeful that I can become a positive role model for the city’s youth, and I am eager to serve the members of the community that helped shape who I am today.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
After twenty-two weeks of training and only three shifts in the station as of this writing, it has been most rewarding to have crossed the threshold from learning and building skills to actually applying them in the field.

Looking back at the fire academy, what was the most challenging element?
There were many physical, emotional, and mental challenges throughout the academy, but the most difficult aspect for me was knowing that I was asking my family to make sacrifices that would enable me to pursue my goal and make the most of every learning opportunity the academy had to offer.

What else would you like to share about yourself?
This has already been a life-changing experience for me, and for my family. One of the most important aspects of this journey has been the lesson to my four children that you can be anyone and accomplish anything you put your mind to, at any stage of your life.

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 5