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Rookie firefighter recognized By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer Feb. 13, 2002 - While a senior at West Lincoln High, Travis Williams spent four nights a week at Gaston College studying to be a firefighter. His work has paid off, earning him Union’s Volunteer Fire Departments’ fire fighter of the year award. Williams calls the award an honor. Union VFD Captain Kelly Yount praises Williams’ willingness to learn. “He is dedicated,” Yount said. Last year, Williams attended fire fighter rookie school from January through May. While his friends were enjoying senior activities, he was getting a jump start on his career. “I’ve always been interested in the fire service,” Williams said. While training, Williams was able to go on calls with the 20-plus member fire department. He started with small jobs like rolling hoses, then fighting a blaze consuming a shed. Three weeks ago, he took another step and helped fight a mobile home fire. For Williams, the best part of fire fighting is altruism. “In some shape or form, you’re helping somebody,” he said. The department also responds to vehicle accidents. For Williams, seeing injured people is the hardest part of the volunteer job. “It’s the things you see, but you train and learn to overcome that,” he said. Williams is now taking an emergency medical technician class. He hopes to also join West Lincoln Rescue Squad. The training and experience will help out when he applies to work at a paid fire department, a long range goal. Williams works at Triple A Electric in Maiden. He lives with his mother Kim and sister Katie.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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