Bill Durkin had a ten year, later life career in the American Fire Service, entirely in the mid state region of Tennessee.
Starting in a rural V.F.D. running 300 calls a year, he moved to a small Municipal, Combination department, and later spent the bulk of his career at a Paid-Full Time, 10 station department, then running 12,000 calls a year.
He attained Firefighter 2, Driver-Operator, Officer 1 and Instructor 1, Certifications (IFSAC-ProBoard) as well as EMT-Advanced, before physical injuries compelled him to leave active Firefighting as a career. In total he spent,
3 years Volunteer and 7 paid.
"I started at 41 and left at 52 years old, and I was very fortunate to have a 10 year career in Firefighting. I sincerely felt called to the Fire Service and I was fortunate to be trained and mentored by so many dedicated Brothers and Sisters. I am deeply grateful to the Fire Service and fortunate to have been part of it."
His years on stage as a Rock and Roll "Frontman", helped him on many a call where a "certain charm" learned with audiences, came in handy when dealing with chaotic situations and people in crisis.
"Firefighting is a very Rock and Roll activity, and it was funny how often the skills sets, crossed paths", Bill has observed. "On occasion I got to help rescue a few instruments and musical items, which was nice. And a bit of stage presence now and then, can help control an emergency scene. A great Firetruck and a great Rock and Roll Band have much in common as well."
A career in Public Safety, and a career in public Musical Life, were such that, Bill Durkin refrained from an active live performing during his Fire Service career. He did however at this time, take up the Mandolin and has become a passionate player. The Mandolin was the perfect Firehouse instrument. He has now returned to Music fulltime.
If asked about his time in Firefighting he'd reply, "At the worst moments of peoples lives, and sometimes at the last moments of their lives, you have the opportunity to be the best person possible. It burnishes your soul for the better."
As well, "Often all you have is a kind word and some strong backs, and often that's enough. Sometimes, you help land a helicopter on a bridge in the middle of the night "
Bill would offer, "Ultimately you are there to be kind, at risk of your life, and to do so as part of a centuries old, Tradition, Culture and Craft. Its something that you have to love. Though at first glance it might not seem that way, but those Big Red Trucks are dispensing love. However sometimes that love comes with ladders and chainsaws."
If you have an interest in the Fire Service please visit www.firehouse.com or www.fireengineering.com
(The views expressed by Bill Durkin do not reflect the views or opinions of any Agency or Organization in the
Fire Service.)