Fire Focus: It Only Takes a Spark to Get a Firefighter Going

It Only Takes a Sparkto Get a Firefighter Going

It Only Takes a Sparkto Get a Firefighter Going

By Ty WalkerThe Mountain Times

Cameron McGinty was only 10 years old when his father started bringing him to work at the Hoodland Fire District Station, where dad volunteered as a firefighter for five years. Seeing the firefighters in action, and the shiny red fire engines and ladder trucks up close and in person, made a big impression on the young boy.

“I saw what my dad was doing there and it sparked my interest in being a firefighter,” Cameron said. “I’ve always loved it. I got hooked on it and never looked back.” 

He wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a firefighter.

Cameron began exploring his budding interest in firefighting as a young teenager by participating weekly in the Hoodland Fire Cadet Program. That program introduced him to the world of fire and emergency services. Through hands-on training in a structured environment, he learned basic firefighting and emergency response skills from experienced instructors.

Cameron participated in the cadet program for five years. Moving on at age 18, he was accepted to the Hoodland Student Program, a two-year program for students who set their sights on being career firefighters. The program provides educational support for firefighting and emergency medical training certifications.

“I like how close everyone is, how it’s a pretty tight community,” Cameron said of the Hoodland Fire District. “Everyone knows each other. It really makes it enjoyable. They’re always looking out for you. They are always training you and helping you out, helping you learn.” 

Students work regular 48 hour shifts – two nights a week – at Hoodland Fire District Station. They receive tuition assistance, free room and board at the Government Camp Fire Station, plus a living stipend of $400 a month.

Cameron said his ultimate goal is to land a paid fulltime firefighter position at a large fire district like Gresham or Clackamas. But money isn’t why he got into firefighting.

“You’re doing it for the job, not the money,” Cameron said. “That’s a big important thing to remember. You do it because you want to help people and you want to make a difference. You’re making a difference in their lives.”

Cameron starts this fall working toward his EMT certification, along with his firefighting degree. As an EMT, he will get more hands-on experience during emergency medical calls.

When he’s not busy learning everything he can about firefighting, Cameron tends to his other passion – auto-detailing. Three years ago, he started his own Specialty Auto Detailing business.

“I own four or five cars,” Cameron said. “I enjoy working on cars. It’s kind of a therapy.” 

He said he likes to keep cars clean inside and out, which should suit him well working in the clean and polished environment of a fire station.