William Meadows was interested in firefighting “well before” high school.
Originally from Mount Angel, his desire led him to Chemeketa Community College’s fire program. He began the two-year program last year, also joining the Keizer Fire District as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.
Roughly a year and a half later, he has been recognized as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year during the district’s annual banquet in February. The honor is awarded by an anonymous vote of the district’s staff and volunteers.
In his speech, Chief Ryan Russell described Meadows as someone who is always looking to improve and willing to help others.
“That attitude matters, especially in a volunteer role,” Russell said. “You can’t fake effort, and you can’t fake humility. William brings both every time he walks through the door.”
Russell said Meadows “represents the heart of our volunteer tradition.”
Other award winners included Joe Hiller as Firefighter of the Year, Garren Smith as Rookie of the Year, Ashley Mas as EMT of the Year and Matt Dryden as Employee of the Year.
Meadows said the award indicates to him that he is doing well as a student volunteer in taking initiative, willingness to learn and assisting others in the district as he can.
“To me, I think that’s just what makes a good probationary firefighter,” Meadows said.
After being accepted into Chemeketa’s fire program, Meadows said he wanted to start volunteering in the field “immediately.” He sought out Keizer’s agency for its proximity to the school and “pretty high call volume.”
The fire district reported over 7,000 calls last year, with the majority of calls seeking medical help.
Meadows said he enjoys the job because it drives him to improve himself and keep healthy and fit. He also enjoys the family aspect of working with the district.
Meadows said that growing up he did not often have family dinners or outings, and this is something he has found at the fire hall.
“Coming here and always having family dinners together, always doing stuff together, it’s been pretty nice. Been pretty refreshing,” Meadows said. “And just knowing that that is what comes with this career is something that I want to stick with.”
Meadows said he loves helping others and representing the district in the community. He recalled a recent trip for an elementary school career day, where he and others from the district explained their jobs to the students.
“Just seeing that, where you have all these young people who were excited and inspired to see what I do as a profession…I enjoy it a lot,” Meadows said, adding that it inspires him to better his skills.
Outside of school and volunteering, Meadows said he enjoys skateboarding, welding and snowboarding. After he completes his final year of Chemeketa’s fire program, Meadows said he aims to attend the school’s one-year paramedic program.
Upon completion of school, Meadows said he would be “happy” to remain at the Keizer Fire District if a job is available.
NEWS TIP? Contact reporter Krista Kroiss at [email protected].
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