When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a telephone linesman. I would climb trees and fence poles, tie a belt around me and the tree, lean back and pretend that I was a linesman stringing phone lines or hooking someone up with phone service.
The dream did not fade with age. When I graduated from high school, I applied for a job with the local telephone company.
My friends kidded me by calling me “Wichita Lineman” in honor of my dream and also because of my resemblance to Glen Campbell who sang the popular song. I finally received an offer from the telephone company, but it came one day before I was to leave for active duty in the U.S. Navy. My dream died ... or did it?
Many years after that day — years spent building a career that had nothing to do with being a linesman — I joined the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department. Maybe I was thinking that fighting fires would be the closest I would ever come to being a linesman. They do climb ladders after all.
No, I think I finally realized what my dream was all about: helping people. After looking out for myself and my family for nearly 40 years, I realized it was time for me to give something back, to start helping others.
I am sure many of you have had similar dreams. I see it in the way many of you give freely of your time to help those in need. There is an abundance of service organizations in our county that need people like you. Fortunately, you do not need to look very far from home. The Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department needs you.
To join us, you do not need to be able to leap over tall buildings or run faster than a speeding bullet. No, all you have to be is an ordinary person. If you look at our current roster, you will find that we come in all shapes and sizes, male and female. We also have varied backgrounds. Some of us were teachers, while others were pharmacists. Some were executives, while others were engineers. Some were pilots, while others were salesmen. Not surprisingly, we look a lot like you.
People join the TVVFD because they care. Every member has a passion to serve. It’s a passion that comes from within. By serving the residents in our community they impact the lives of many people.
Recruiting, selection and retention practices are one of the most important elements to the long-term viability and success of the department. It’s a place where everyday people put their lives on the line, just like those working beside them.
If you are interested in joining TVVFD, please stop by the department to pick up a member application form. You may either mail the form or personally drop it off at the fire department. You can also find the application on our website at http://www.tellicovillagefiredepartment.com.
Check us out and come join us. Fulfill your dreams.
Bruce Johnson is an emergency medical responder with the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department.
