As Fire Prevention Week approaches, Lt. Col. Joseph Stuber stands out not only as a leader in the Minnesota National Guard, but also as a firefighter with the St. Paul Fire Department.
“My desire to serve in the military dates back to my college days, when I initially considered a career in the military,” he said.
Stuber combines his military experience with a passion for firefighting that began more than a decade ago. Getting into the fire department wasn’t easy. It took me several years to get hired and complete the 16-week academy.
Maintaining firefighting skills during deployments is a challenge Stuber tackles head-on.
“Technology has made it easier for us to continue our continuing education for both emergency medical technicians and fire training. I stay connected to the department via email and all education is completed online.” he said.
Once back at the fire department, Stuber plans to hone his technical skills to ensure a smooth transition back into the field. He emphasizes the importance of fire prevention efforts both publicly and privately.
“It’s interesting how people don’t think about fire safety,” he said. “It’s important to practice how to respond to fires and other emergencies with your family and pets.”
Fire Prevention Week, observed each October, was established in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The week is a reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention and aims to educate the public on how to prevent fires and protect life and property. This compliance emphasizes the need for everyone to have a fire evacuation plan, keep working smoke detectors, and take proactive measures to reduce the risk of fire in the home.
Stuber emphasized the importance of fire protection and the need to prioritize human life over property during emergencies. My fire academy experience instilled in me a deep understanding of the need to reduce damage and protect personal property during emergencies.
“Running into a burning house and watching homeowners try to salvage their belongings will change the way you look at fire safety,” he says.
When Stuber reflected on his experiences, he recognized important similarities between firefighting and military service: the importance of training and teamwork.
“Be in the right place at the right time, wear the right uniform and complete your primary education,” he said. “Be open to feedback. It may change your opinion and save a life.”
While Fire Prevention Week may not be a focus in your busy life, Stuber believes the principles of fire safety should be practiced on a regular basis.
“I don’t think about Fire Prevention Week at all,” he added. “It should be something we live by every day.”
Date taken: October 3, 2024 Posted: October 3, 2024 06:45 Story ID: 482408 Location: (Undisclosed location) Birthplace: ST. Paul, Minnesota, USA Web Views: 3 Downloads: 0 Public Domain
This work “Two Careers, One Mission: Red Bull Soldier’s Passion to Serve” by SSG Mahsima Alkamooneh, identified by DVIDS, is subject to the restrictions set forth in https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright .
