Pepperdine firefighters use volunteer service safeguarding University residents around the clock as a stepping stone to future careers in fire protection.
By: Rosy Banks
Assistant Living Editor
Rolling around in their infamous bright red trucks, Pepperdine’s firefighters are seen on all corners of Pepperdine’s campus. But their duties when fires aren’t blazing are a mystery to many.
These men said they are dedicated to protecting lives and are using the Pepperdine Fire Department as a stepping stone to dreams of fighting fires at locations across the United States.
“We’re all volunteers,” said Dustin Pierson, a volunteer firefighter. “We’re all here on our own time and have other jobs, girlfriends and families.”
Committing to four 24-hour shifts per month, these men provide students, staff and residents of Pepperdine CHRISTINE MORRISON/ASSISTANT PHOTO
University with around-the- EDITOR
clock protection and
emergency services. Experience here will train them for the fires of the future.
Pepperdine also allows them training and certification in a variety of rescue aid skills, which they in turn also pass on to certain inquiring groups.
“In this job you’re not in it for yourself,” said Jeff Mathias, a volunteer firefighter. “You’re in it to help other people.”
All emergency medical calls and fires on campus are directed to Pepperdine’s fire department. Volunteers and department members are trained in CPR, and shock response, among countless other safety skills. From athletic injuries to cardiac arrests, Pepperdine’s fire department answers the call.
“We applied here after an intense training academy and becoming EMTs,” volunteer firefighter Gabriel Hubert said. “Throughout training and applying you have to be very competent. We’re here to go above and beyond what is expected and look better than other guys applying for fire department positions (elsewhere).”
The number of applying firefighters is continually on the rise and competition for a floor department position is heated.
Applicants are doing anything they can to boost their resume and chances of landing the exciting career for which they’ve been striving. Volunteers assume Pepperdine may offer that opportunity.
“My hope is that this will lead to a career for the L.A. City Fire Department,” Pierson said. “That is my dream, but if I’m recruited anywhere else I don’t care. It is so competitive you can’t limit your mind to a certain place.”
Firefighters at Pepperdine admit their job affects most aspects of their life, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. They claim the camaraderie and adventure cannot be matched in any other career.
Affecting their perceptions, habits and outlook, firefighting for them is not an occupation, it’s a lifestyle.
“You pay attention to detail and notice things you wouldn’t before… like who you can help when you’re not on the job,” Mathias said.
Pierson agreed.
“We’re all trained in medical aid so for instance if someone needed help on the edge of the freeway we could stop and give aid,” he said.
Going over policies and procedures to separate emergencies, firefighters at Pepperdine meet each week to keep fresh on emergency procedures in case of disaster.
One firefighter insists that it is largely the constant physical and mental challenge which result from his outdoor-intensive career that drives him in his work.
“You never know what you are going to get in a day,” Mathias said.
Fires have recently been relatively few at Pepperdine and in the Malibu area, but wildland is extensively dry and firefighters suggest precaution in this dangerous season.
“Smokers, don’t be careless, be cautious,” Mathias said. “Essentially, the campus is a torch and fires move fast up a canyon.”
Studying building layouts and escape routes, firefighters are prepared to rescue from all locations. Preparing for fires that may strike Pepperdine anytime, volunteer firefighters set minds at ease.
In return, hopes ride high that an opportunity for a career of saving lives will arise.
October 23, 2003
