09/06/2026
We thought you'd like to meet some of our firefighters on the front line. If you are interested in serving, please reach out to [email protected]
Meet Karen!
She is a retired elementary school teacher, wife and mother yet still finds time to serve! We asked her a few questions…
What drew you to fire service?
If I am being honest, I think I’ve always driven by a fire station with a “wishful/what if” eye, but what really sucked me in was an incident shortly after we moved into the area. I was outside one morning taking in the view when I noticed a small plume of smoke near the railroad tracks. In a matter of minutes, it was clear that it was the beginning of a brush fire. We watched as the flames spread and trees began to ignite, and the fire crawled across the bottom of the valley and up the cliffs. We watched!!! And that bothered me. ALL I was doing was watching.
Later that afternoon, thinking that the fire had been extinguished, we left the neighborhood. When we returned, the valley below our house was ablaze with fire dancing along the hillside. BUT my neighbors were out there patrolling, brush trucks filled, manned, and on watch in case the fire turned toward us. It was then that I knew that I could no longer just stand, watch, and expect someone else to protect my home and the neighborhood I loved. I knew I had to become a part of the answer.
Tell us about your training!
I completed a series of online classes and a field test. But I think the best training is the hands-on approach that the LPPVFD provides. We meet monthly for classroom training, debriefing, and for hands-on training to go over equipment, new techniques, and to improve and learn from previous incidents. But the ABSOLUTE BEST training, is working with the other firefighters. They are always ready to answer questions and assist you, without making you feel inadequate.
What do you like best about being part of the fire department?
The people at LPPVFD are truly some of my favorite people. We come from a variety of backgrounds, but I think we all have the same common thread woven through us…We like helping other people and giving back to the community. There are so many aspects of the fire department that there is something for everyone to do, not everyone has to fight a fire. Just ask us, we can find a job for you.
How has your teaching career helped you fight fires?
Going from an elementary school teacher to a wildland firefighter, you wouldn’t think there would be much in common. Demeanor is a common denominator between the two roles. Knowing how to stay calm on the outside (even when you are not on the inside), listening to others, asking questions, clarifying directions, and being watchful all play a big part in being successful in the classroom and on an incident.
What does your family think about it?
Truthfully, my family probably thinks that I am a little bit crazy, but they are also not surprised. They are proud of me for finding new ways to serve in whatever capacity I can. Personally, I want my son and my nieces and nephews to see me and know that there are always ways that they can make the world a better place. And when I get home and my husband is grilling a big, fat, juicy cheeseburger for me, what better love language is that??? I think that no matter how old you are, a “Good Job” and an “I’m Proud of You,” goes a long way.
What is your next big challenge?
Although I grew up on a farm, it had been a long time since I was around so much equipment with so many moving parts. I soon learned to ask questions, because the other members were eager to help. Now, I only have to learn all the acronyms!!! (I thought education had a lot!) Ugh! Wink! Wink!
