By: Matthew Phillips
For nearly two decades, Clay McDougald has faced down smoke, fire and wreckage, rushing into danger while others run from it. As a veteran firefighter in Troy, McDougald has made a life out of helping others. 

McDougald is from the small town of Goshen, where he grew up and attended Goshen High School. Although he initially intended to pursue a career in law enforcement, he found that firefighting captivated him and has yet to release its hold on him.  

“I decided to jump off into the career side of firefighting. It is very rewarding and very challenging, but in the end, it is very worth it,” McDougald said. 

For the last 17 years, McDougald has been a steady presence in the Troy Fire Department. His calmness under pressure and commitment to the community have made him a trusted figure, especially in moments of crisis. When the call comes in, McDougald does not hesitate, but that does not mean his mind is quiet.

“There’s just a lot going through your mind,” he explains.  “Is anybody’s life in danger? What do I need to do once I get there? Where’s the fire? Where do I position the trucks? I’m constantly thinking about the safety of everyone involved, including the crew,” McDougald explained. 

Firefighting, of course, comes with risks. The physical danger is evident, but so is the emotional weight. McDougald asserts that every firefighter is aware of the risks from the very beginning. 

“We know that when we sign up for the job, there is a risk to it,” he said. “We may not make it home at the end of the day,” he says. “But the training we receive through fire school and on the job helps us to make it back to our families.”

Dealing with stress is part of the job, and McDougald is honest about its toll. 

“Everybody deals with emotional stress differently. You got to find a way to unwind, whether it’s speaking with coworkers or your family or having activities or hobbies in your off time to relieve that stress,” McDougald added. 

One call, in particular, has stayed with him throughout the start of his career and is a haunting reminder of how quickly lives can change. 

“A moment I’ll never forget is probably my first wreck out of fire school,” he recalled. “It was a pretty bad one. A mother and her two kids were in a car that had basically been cut in half by a tree. The mom was badly injured, but thankfully, the two children came out okay.”  

The memory is etched in his mind not just for the trauma of the scene but for the sense of responsibility he carried that day. It is moments like these that define the job not as a profession but as a purpose.

For kids dreaming of becoming firefighters, McDougald has both words of encouragement and caution.

“It’s a very rewarding job. Like I said, there are a lot of risks involved. However, it is an adrenaline rush,” said McDougald. 

McDougald is not just putting out fires. He is building a legacy built on courage, service and an unwavering commitment to his community. He proves that the heart of a firefighter is not just about bravery but also compassion.