Barbara Lawlor, Gilpin County.  On a flat meadow near the Dory Lakes Timberline Fire Protection District Station, folding chairs were lined up facing a podium where the TFPD Chief, Paul Ondr, addressed the firefighter candidates who were about to receive their certification from the district.

These diplomas acknowledged that each of the candidates had successfully completed all of the training, all of the exercises and all of the required studies to be a successful firefighter. As in any graduation, it was a moment to be treasured, just the beginning of becoming a brother or sister in the TFPD family.

As Chief Ondr praised all of those who had worked so hard over the past year to achieve their goals, family and friends of the brand new firefighters wiped tears from their cheeks and beamed at their loved ones.

It was an impressive sight: all of the candidates were dressed in formal uniforms. Their shoes were polished, their hair combed, their backs straight and their eyes twinkled, belying the solemn demeanor they projected.

It is an honor to be here today and a privilege to welcome these men and women in the fire service family.

“The fire service began in this country over 300 years ago, born out of necessity and large configurations that burned down entire cities. While the fire service has evolved since its early beginnings, the need to quickly extinguish fires to avoid catastrophic losses has not changed,” said Ondr who has been in the fire service for 22 years.

During those years, Ondr has met the most diverse and incredible group of people he can imagine and has wondered what ties all of them together. Why in this day and age firefighters will open their doors or lend a hand to another firefighter from some place they have never been or even heard of.

“My belief is this: the willingness to subject yourself to what all of you just completed in order to help others you don’t know and may never meet again, as well as the unspoken understanding between each of us that we are willing to do whatever it takes to reduce pain, suffering and loss in our communities, creates an incredible trust and bond between the roughly three million fire fighters in this country.”

Being a part of this new family comes with a responsibility. Friends, family, neighbors, communities and Timberline now hold you to a higher standard. All of these people expect you to be a role model, someone their children look up to. They expect you to be respectful and caring at all times, not just on calls.

“Timberline expects professionalism at all times. I often hear people refer to firefighters as professional or volunteer. This makes me cringe as there are career fire fighters that receive a pay check and volunteers that do not, but we are all professional. Because of that, it is critical that we maintain a high standard for ourselves and each other.”

“The knowledge you have gained and the skills you have practiced in the academy are the foundation and building blocks of a safe and successful career in the fire service.” But, says Chief Ondr, as with most things, knowledge is power. So, he encouraged them to continue their education, saying they shouldn’t let their fire service education stop: that this should be the beginning. He told them to sign up for classes, read magazines, and most important, learn from each other’s mistakes and successes.

“We all know what a fragile place this is and how quickly a careless act or bolt of lightning could destroy it. Shortly, you will be taking an oath to protect this amazing place. Without volunteers like yourselves, and amazing support systems at home that allow you to volunteer, this community would be left unprotected.”

“I am incredibly proud of each of you for overcoming your fears and completing such a daunting task.”

Special Awards were presented by training officer Mark Williams: The Top Axe trophy went to Aaron Jones; The Valedictorian, person with the highest scores on tests and exercises, went to Travis Robertson; and the Top Instructor of this class was Chris Robertson.

Then Chief Ondr, Assistant Chief Chip Smith and Assistant Chief Chris Schimanski handed out certificates, and family members had the honor of pinning their badges on their chests. Fortunately, there were no mishaps.

Ondr looked at the newly inducted members of TFPD and said, “Welcome to our firefighter community. You are now a part of us.”

Included in that statement was the ticket to join the crowd and enjoy burgers, hot dogs and drinks provided by the district and the High County Auxiliary.

The TFPD is now a family of at least 70 members, with many future picnics and dinners and emergency responses ahead of them.

(Originally published in the June 21, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)