"Why We Serve" featured article

A Tribute to Omaha Firefighters: Q&A

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 Steve Swan - Captain

Why did you choose to become a firefighter?

Like a lot of kids, I was always interested in the fire service. I knew becoming a firefighter was what I wanted to do by my senior year in high school. The challenge and excitement of the job appealed to me. I have been a career firefighter for over 15 years, the last 12 have been with the Omaha Fire Department. I've been happy with my decision ever since.

What are aspects of the job that bring you satisfaction?

The comfort and reassurance we provide people. More than likely we are being called because someone is having a bad day. There is a great sense of job satisfaction to see someone relieved because we arrived.

What are some of the challenges of being a firefighter?

Being proficient and ready to handle the multitude of calls that we respond to. Our job involves so much more than putting out fires. On any given day, we can be called upon to rescue someone trapped in a vehicle, contain a hazardous material leak, treat a heart attack victim, or even rescue a cat from a tree. Unfortunately, not every emergency call has a happy ending, and the devastation and human suffering can be tough. Sleepless nights and the physical demands of the job take a toll on your body as well.

-Steve Swan, Omaha Fire Department Captain

What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a firefighter?

Education is very important. Candidates can take fire protection and emergency medical classes to prepare for the job. The most important advice I can give is to keep on trying. The testing process is very competitive and time consuming. The process makes the goal of becoming a firefighter just that much more rewarding.

Please describe yourself in 3 words.  Dependable, Hardworking, Helpful.

Kurt Urkoski

Why did you choose to become a firefighter?

Growing up in a small town I didn't know anything about the fire service and didn't realize you could make a career out of it. When I realized what a great career it could be, I did a ride along with the Orange County Fire and Rescue in Florida where I was living at the time and fell in love. I think it was a combination of the comradery between the guys and the idea that every call and every day was going to be something different and new.

What are aspects of the job that bring you satisfaction?

I think for the most part firefighters are humble people and don't like to receive credit for the things they do, but when someone comes up to the station or sees you out in public and tells you how you made a difference in their life, it is very rewarding.

What are some of your greatest challenges in being a firefighter?

What a lot of people forget about with the fire service is not what we do but what our spouses do. People forget that we spend 1/3 of our lives at work and the strain that can put on a family. 1/3 of our lives, our spouses are basically running a single parent household. A lot of  holidays, weekends, birthdays, and school events are spent alone while we are at work.

What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a firefighter?

The fire service is a hard career to get into; 1500 people applying for 15 positions is quite common. The process can take well over a year, but the key is never give up. Go to school for your fire science, Bachelor's degree, and medic education. I have heard of people applying time after time over a 10-15 year period and getting frustrated, but eventually they were hired and all that hard work finally paid off. So never give up!

Please describe yourself in 3 words. Humble, Hardworking, Kind.

Matt Hill

Why did you choose to become a firefighter?

I chose to become a firefighter while working at UNMC. I had the opportunity to speak with a few firefighters, and I could tell by speaking with them that there was true passion behind their words. I took an EMT class and became a member of a volunteer fire department. I continued on from there, I was hired by a suburban fire department and was eventually hired by the city of Omaha. I am proud to say that now I am one of those people I described earlier.

What are aspects of the job that bring you satisfaction?

Working with my fellow firefighters to help others. It sounds cliché, but it is absolutely true. I'm fortunate to work with a great bunch of people. I look forward to coming to work every day because I know that my job will challenge me. I know that I've got people I can count on around me and that together there isn't much that we cannot do. I've seen some truly amazing things in my time on the fire department and I'm still pretty close to the beginning of my career.

What are some of your greatest challenges in being a firefighter?

You never know coming in to work in the morning what the day will bring. It could be a normal day with routine things, or it could be an extraordinary day where you are pushed to the edge of your physical, mental, and emotional limits. There is no way to prepare for the day, you have to be able to roll with things as they happen. You have to stay calm and keep your head on your shoulders. If I stay calm and act like a professional, people will see that, and it will help calm them down.

-Matt Hill

What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a firefighter?

Be persistent. Getting the job isn't easy, it took me a few tries before I was hired. I saw the areas I needed to work on and made the changes necessary to be successful. You can greatly improve your chances by preparing for the test. There are practice tests available, and you are given the opportunity to practice the physical portion of the test prior to your actual run through it. I would absolutely encourage anyone who is thinking of pursuing this career to take the time and take advantage of all of the materials available to them in preparation for the test.

Please describe yourself in 3 words.  Intelligent, Perceptive, Compassionate.