By JIM VALLET
Moapa Valley Progress
An issue I had never considered about the volunteer fire department is the emotional toll the job takes on its volunteers. Overton Station #74 Chief Steve Neel and Logandale Station #73 Chief Tim DeBerardinis are unequivocal about what are typically the hardest calls of the job for them.
“For me, it’s the kids,” said Neel. “The things I’ve seen involving kids, it just doesn’t go away. There have been really bad moments, sometimes involving some of my neighbors. But the kids: that’s hard.”
Even though no specific names were mentioned, other volunteer firefighters I spoke to about the emotional toll of the job answered in the same way.
Overton volunteer Cynthia Nelson, whose husband Matt served many years as Overton station chief, talked about the toll that the job takes on the family. “It’s tough to plan anything,” she said. “We don’t take anything for granted. Always assume the volunteer may need to leave in the middle of a family event or weekend project or planned outing.”
The responsibility of helping others before one’s own family is something the Nelsons have had to battle in a real way.
“The flood of 2005 was interesting,” said Cynthia. “Matt had to be in charge (at the station) and was unable to help sandbag his own house.”
Because volunteering is demanding on both mind and body does not mean there are no rewarding moments.
“The friendships that have been made by working closely with co-workers through good and bad times are priceless,” said Overton volunteer Shirlyn Brown. “The reward was never in the money because it was 100% volunteer. The reward of saving someone’s life, or bringing a new life into the world — which was my favorite thing to do — or being able to help someone in a desperate time of his life; that was the reward I got. I enjoyed helping and serving for fifteen years.”
Many volunteers stressed how satisfying it is doing a job that helps right at home in their own community.
“We love this community!” declared Overton volunteer Kathy Nelson.
“We do it because we see a need to do something that the community needs,” said DeBeradinis.
“The volunteers have a passion for people,” explained Neel, “and they think it’s fun.”
Many people in the community, who have been helped by Moapa Valley Fire District volunteers speak with great respect and gratitude of those who responded in their time of great need.
“Because of the medical staff and the volunteers; what they did and the way they did it; I’m here today,” said Logandale resident Corey Dalley.
Dalley nearly died in a medical episode which occurred at home a couple of years ago. He received the necessary immediate medical attention from the Moapa Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
“I don’t know what else to say, They saved my life,” Dalley said.
“They dropped everything, left everything, to take our son, Matt to Sunrise Hospital when he was little,” said Moapa Valley resident Melanie Vallet. “I’ll never forget what they did.”
“I have been on the receiving end of their help twice,” helper-turned-victim, Cynthia Nelson said.
“During the floods and when I was helicoptered myself a little over a year ago, I, like many valley residents, am very grateful there were people so willing to give so much of themselves to help out in time of need.”
“Not only that,” Nelson added, “but they are caring, quick, and competent.”
Moapa Valley Mortuary owner Brian Rebman, who often works in coordination with the emergency medical service volunteers, is enthusiastic in his praise.
“It’s incredible to me to see the dedication of so many who give up their personal time to help others,” Rebman said. “While responding to accidents and medical emergencies, I see these dedicated men and women on-scene happy to help in any way they can. They respond at all hours. They spend many hours training. They serve selflessly.”
“I cannot praise them enough for their love of community and willingness to give of themselves for such a difficult, thankless service to our community,” Rebman added. “It is a huge commitment, and having been on the receiving end of their service, I am very grateful for these capable men and women.”
In addition to going on calls, there is a huge commitment made by volunteers in completing required training for the job.
“Times have changed, services change, and we need to change,” said Neel. “It used to be that once you volunteered you just started going out on calls. No more. I think the types and amount of training has been the biggest change.”
Matt Nelson agreed. “The department has changed for the better. All that training pays off,” he said.
Because of all the time involved in the job, the MV Fire District has faced challenges in recruiting new volunteers in recent years. This has made the job even tougher on those who have been willing to volunteer.
To address this, Chief Neel believes there should be some financial compensation to volunteers on a pay-per-call basis. This type of compensation is currently done in several states for volunteer firefighters. The MV Fire District board has approved proposals to establish such a program locally.
When given the opportunity to speak to the Moapa Valley community, the volunteers responded in different ways. Most just wanted people to know they were doing the best job they could as they strive to fill a need in the community.
“All of us get into volunteering for different reasons,” explained Chief Neel. “But all of us want to help our community and give back. We want to provide a service that is needed.”
Neel’s wife, Alecia, echoes her husband. “These are good people making a lot of sacrifices and doing the best they can for the community.”
How can I describe what the members of the Moapa Valley Volunteer Fire District do and who they are? Words like dedicated, selfless, friendly, community-minded, good people, never forget what they did, committed, and sacrifice fall short. How can we thank these volunteers? Words don’t seem enough. How can I recognize all fifty-two current volunteers and the many who served before without missing anyone?
Even as I struggle to write this article communicating appreciation and recognition, I can hear the sirens from Overton Station #74 and I watch as the fire truck and the smaller ambulance leave on one of the 1,300 some-odd calls they will answer this year. I think of dedication and providing a needed service and the appreciation I have for what they do, it still doesn’t seem like enough.
