Firefighters Serving Their Community One Cold Candy Cane at a Time (The Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter)

We recently held a Candy Cane Drive where fire trucks drove around town collecting food for those in need (Donated to a local organization). Events like this not only support the homeless and food-insecure in our community, but also help raise awareness about firefighting and the positive role people play in keeping their communities safe. It also gives families a fun opportunity to come outside, see the trucks, and even watch them as they roll down the street with lights flashing honking their horns.

Representing a firefighter
handing out candy.

Joel noticed
a reindeer has been
eyeing this candy cane for
the last 2 miles! Since reindeer
don't have canned food
he figured he might just
let him have this one
on the house. 

At Gladstone Christmas
Tree lighting a few weeks ago
 Joel ate the reindeer kibble 
that Dew Drop handing out
 instead of giving it
to the reindeer.  😬
He thought about actually
giving the reindeer some
but it was so darn 
good!


Small Northern Towns Survival Tip:
 Never eat all the
reindeer's candy kibble. 

Walking miles in turnout gear may not sound like fun to everyone, but for those of us who love our communities and enjoy staying in decent shape, it’s right up our alley. The temperature was around 14 degrees F that evening, and after spending much of the day downhill skiing, I was just about thawed out on my drive back from Marquette Mountain when I pulled into the station—just in time as the trucks were heading out.

This year’s turnout seemed especially strong. People truly enjoy coming out, getting their candy cane, and donating food. In the end, what matters most are the small things we do for one another and the kindness we share. With costs rising and many people not earning more, efforts like this make a real difference. That kind of impact can’t be bought or sold. It doesn't come in bitcoin form. It is the real stuff human-to-human interaction. People helping each other.

Walking in temperatures around 13–14 degrees Fahrenheit does require physical stamina, and firefighting in general calls for a reasonable level of fitness. As firefighters get older, there are opportunities to take on roles such as driving and managing trucks or pumps. Still, hauling equipment and keeping pace with the crew means you’ll feel that cold air in your lungs no matter the age (When you can keep up with the young whipersnapers, age is only an arbitrary number. ha ha! I almost believed it for a second. 😏).

There are certain criteria for becoming a firefighter, and being in good physical shape is one of them. So keep hitting the gym and try to avoid too many heavy carbs. I hold a fitness trainer’s license, so if anyone is interested, feel free to send me a message. There are other requirements as well, which you can learn more about in the video below. One of the most important criteria, though, is simply showing up and helping out consistently.

We are trying to buy new equipment so if you have a few personal or corporate dollars you would like to give as a tax free donation let me know and I will point you in the right direction.