John Paul Waller is a 23-year-old Glenwood native that is an EMT and firefighter with the Troy Fire Department. 

 

The Messenger: What is your job title and areas of responsibility?

Waller: As a firefighter and EMT, my duties include – but are not limited to – responding to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, public safety hazards, educating the public and maintaining fire station equipment. 

 

The Messenger: How did you come to work in this field? 

Waller: I was introduced to emergency services in my small community’s volunteer fire department. After gaining knowledge of how a fire department works from people who work full-time EMS/fire, I applied for a job at the Troy Fire Department. 

 

The Messenger: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Waller: The most enjoyable part of my job is when members of the community tell me about how what we do has positively impacted their lives. 

 

The Messenger: What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

Waller: The most challenging part of my job is the world is constantly changing. The fire service is, in turn, made to constantly adapt to improve our efforts of minimizing risk to the community and improving public safety.

 

The Messenger: What skills are important for the work you do? 

Waller: A career in emergency services is one of the most technical/field knowledge jobs available. With a growing plethora of skills being made and learned every day, you must always keep the simple ones, such as good communication, physical stamina and the ability to learn on your tool belt to succeed. 

 

The Messenger: What do you wish more people knew about the work you do?

Waller: One thing I wish more people knew about our job is that we don’t just respond to fires. We respond to almost every type of emergency, from car wrecks to twisted ankles. Anytime someone needs help and calls, we respond no matter how small or large their emergency. This also brings up the point that the department must meet minimum staffing 24/7/365 to be most effective. Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries will be missed so that people always have someone to come to help during their time of need.

 

The Messenger: What would you say to someone else considering this career path?

Waller: I would say it’s a very rewarding line of work, but it’s not easy. You become a full-time student for the rest of your career. To best serve you never stop improving physically and mentally. Learn from and pick up where others before you have and keep building. 

 

The Messenger: Did you have a mentor or person who influenced you in your career?

Waller: I have several good mentors to show me the ropes. One especially is Capt. Jason McManigle. He has shown me how to effectively do my duties by being an example and becoming an expert in his craft. 

 

The Messenger: What do you like to do when you’re not working? Do you have a hobby or activity people would be surprised to learn about?

Waller: In my off time, I like to volunteer at my church and spend time with friends and family.

 

The Messenger: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us and our readers?

Waller: As a teenager, I had my own medical emergency that required skilled professionals promptly to get me to definitive care and save my life. I am grateful to those who responded and made it so I can help others in the same way I was helped.