Firefighter in training likes the brotherly bond
By Ty Walker, The Mountain Times
Growing up in Gladstone, Noah Meyer was a ball boy for the high school football team. One day he would go on to play varsity, but it was another kind of team on the sidelines that caught his attention, making a big impression on the youngster.
Paramedics and first responder vehicles were on stand by at the games, ready to spring into action in case of emergency. Noah said the Gladstone Fire Department was very connected with the community at the time, with staff attending public events like football games and parades.
“I would see firefighters at community events, parades, and football games,” Noah said. “They were always on the sidelines. Talking to them, looking up to them as role models – the more I looked into it, the more I liked it and enjoyed it.”
Noah Meyer has been recognized by The Mountain Times as the Fire Focus Firefighter of the month for September. The 2025 Gladstone High grad hopes to achieve his end goal of becoming a paramedic firefighter.
Noah first came to Hoodland to train as a volunteer firefighter. Now19, Noah has enrolled in the Hoodland Fire District Student program – a two-year program with the potential for a third year to complete a paramedics certification. First Noah must finish his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training.
“I love it, it’s great,” Noah said of his experience so far. “I don’t see myself doing anything else. It’s a good opportunity to get my foot through the door, meet new people, and make connections. It's a good experience.”
Noah is on course to graduate from the Hoodland Student Program in two years and have enough certificates to apply for a job in the next year. But he plans on going the extra mile to get his paramedic credential from Hoodland as well.
Noah would like to work somewhere near his Gladstone home, preferably in Oregon City or the Portland metro area. He currently has an hour-long commute to Mount Hood.
As a full time student, Noah gets free room and board at Government Camp, tuition assistance and a $500 per month living stipend. He spends 120 hours a month at the Government Camp station and two days on four days off at Welches main fire station.
Six students are currently enrolled in the program. They spend a third of their time at Government Camp, a third of their time at Welches, and a third at home or with free time
“I like the team aspect and brotherly bond,” he said. “Everybody's working together hands-on with the same goal of getting the job done properly. Everybody’s working and accomplishing the same goal together.”
Noah loves fishing and riding motorcycles, likes anything outdoors, and is always down for hiking or camping. He likes learning new things, including learning how to play guitar.
“For the past six months, I’ve been playing guitar, which I absolutely love. When I learn new things, once I get the hang of it, I just can’t stop going after it.”
To learn more about the program, contact Hoodland Fire District Student Program leader Matt Nicholson at mattnicholson@hoodlandfire.gov.