Firefighter shatters record

An important training milestone for a firefighter is completion of the Firefighter One course. This course includes a combination of physical skills and technical knowledge. One of the most physically rigorous ways to obtain Firefighter One certification is to attend a training academy put on by the Montana State University Fire Service Training School in Great Falls. This approach requires the candidate to engage in difficult physical activities such as second floor rescues and pitched roof ventilation in full gear including air packs. Unlike local training this process occurs over nine successive days.

Up until 2010, no one older than 52 had successfully completed the academy in Great Falls. This year, fifty-nine year old Steve Temple, one of Superior’s firefighters, reset the bar by a wide margin.

Temple said that the course is setup for those who intend to become a professional firefighter. Though he has no plans to become a professional firefighter himself, Temple said that when he joined the Superior Firefighter Department as a volunteer he didn’t really know a lot about what he was doing.

“What really motivated me was if you’re going to be an expert in your field you should know what you’re doing,” Temple said. “When I first joined the department in Superior, I didn’t know a lot and I was thirsty for knowledge.”

Temple said that the course is geared toward men and woman who are in their 20s. He said that the course was a lot of hard work and it was sort of like a boot camp.

“It’s designed for men and women in their 20s and so it was a lot of hard work for an old guy like myself,” Temple said. “There was a lot of crawling on hands and knees, while carrying heavy things. After a day or so, I called and talked to Captain Rick Miller and I was ready to quit and throw in the towel. I was getting beat up. But he and others encouraged me to stay and stick it out and I’m glad I did.”

Despite the physical demands, Temple passed by a comfortable margin. He said that the instructors told him he made it through with a comfortable margin, which was reassuring.

“Steve’s dedication is another step forward in the Superior Volunteer Fire Department’s ability to protect the residents in its coverage area and assist our mutual aid partners in protecting their communities,” Chief John Woodland said.

The Superior Volunteer Fire Department relies on its volunteers to serve the community. Volunteers are needed and accepted from the Town of Superior and Superior Rural Fire district as well as adjacent areas not covered by other departments. Training is provided and even if you do not feel you can keep up with Steve, there is a place for you. If interested, contact Woodland at 822-4900 or 529-4317or stop by the Fire Hall at the corner of Cedar and Third

Avenue East in Superior.

Temple said that he’s proud he made it through the course and said that if anyone young man or woman is thinking of becoming a professional firefighter, the course would be a good way to figure out if that’s something you are truly interested in.

“It’ll help you sort out if being a firefighter is for you or not,” Temple said.