‘A dream come true.’ Warner Robins firefighters of the year on what drives them
Warner Robins officials recognized Captain Michael Buckner and Chris Reid as this year’s Firefighter of the Year and Rookie Firefighter of the Year.
“I was actually shocked because it’s such a high award in our department. It’s not just given to anybody, your peers actually select you for it. And that was just a major shock and I was extremely excited about it,” Buckner said.
The process for each award involves an open period where anybody in the department can nominate a colleague. A committee of past recipients reviews applications and selects the winners
Both Buckner and Reid were nominated by their peers and the city based on their achievements, work ethic, pride, honor, character, and other positive attributes.
“Well, it’s an honor to be nominated and voted on by your peers. I’m at a loss for words. I don’t have any; I don’t know where to start,” Reid said.
The Telegraph had an opportunity to speak with Reid and Buckner about their recent achievement, motivations, and goals for the City of Warner Robins.
Michael Buckner – Firefighter of the Year
The child of a U.S. soldier, Buckner’s family moved around a lot as he grew up. A Middle Georgian since 2007, he works as the captain of the fire department’s training center. While he’s been a firefighter for more than 20 years, it was a stint working for a search and rescue team during Hurricane Katrina that sparked his interest in the field.
Q: What’s it like training firefighters?
A: Well, it’s a little different with the fire department being a campus for the training division. My job is really focused on training suppression personnel; however I get involved in a lot of different things and projects throughout the department. I love it and it’s just a dream come true for me.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your job
A: To be able to influence everyone and help them to achieve their goals is my favorite part. I love helping to develop people. And being in the position I’m in, I’m able to do that. I’m helping to teach the rookies, and getting to watch them develop from a person that came off the street to a firefighter is incredible to me, and I love watching the transition happen.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: I just love this job. But I wouldn’t be able to do everything that I do without the support of my wife and my kids. I feel that I’m pretty successful in this job field because my wife and my kids have sacrificed a lot for me to be able to do this type of work.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring firefighters?
A: Don’t give up. If the first job doesn’t work out for you, or the first interview doesn’t work out for you, just try and try again. If you don’t get selected, don’t be discouraged. Go again and just keep going for your dream, because this career is definitely worth it. It’s rewarding and you get to do something that not everybody gets to do.
Chris Reid – Rookie Firefighter of the Year
Originally from Macon, Reid said he learned the value of hard work at a young age. His military background and upbringing from his grandfather and great-grandfather taught him to make the best out of any situation.
He applied the morals instilled in him as a child to step into a field that gave him the ability to help the community and make a difference.
Q: What made you want to be a firefighter?
A: I love helping people in different capacities and at their worst times, so being a firefighter, you’re pretty much here to serve the community in any way possible.
Q: What influenced you to want to help people?
A: I believe it’s just from my upbringing. I spent a lot of time with my grandfather and great-grandfather. He has a small farm and I used to go out there every single summer to help him out. And I learned how to work. They showed me the value of hard work, and to be wise with your money. So I learned at an early age and it just stuck with me.
Q: What’s your favorite part of being a firefighter?
A: Getting out in the community. Even when it comes to manning the booth at Walmart, I don’t mind at all because we get to see everybody’s faces and interact with the kids. They love seeing the trucks, and we get to show them different things on the trucks and make them feel comfortable. So even if we do have to come to their house for any kind of emergency, they’ll feel a sense of peace when we show up.
Q: What are your career goals?
A: My goal is to be the best that I could possibly be and help out where I can. I don’t consider rookies any inferior, we treat everybody as though we’re the same as a big family. So my goal is just to keep that same environment going and make everyone feel comfortable. And also teach when I can and also continue to learn because every day is a learning experience.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring firefighters?
A: I would advise anyone who’s willing or wants to learn more about the fire service to just come up and speak with some of the firefighters on it. It doesn’t have to necessarily be up here at headquarters, just go to your nearest fire station.
I encourage anyone to come and speak to us just to get a feel for what we do. We’re actually on a hiring spree right now so feel free to check out our website.