Friday Focus: Igniting transformative experience through public service

April 12, 2024

— By Forrest Kuiper, University Fire Department fire chief

UAF’s vision statement of “excellence through transformative experiences” can be applied in every facet of this institution, and I want to share how we at the University Fire Department align with that vision and what it means to you as the community we serve and protect. In public service, few experiences match the intensity and impact of being a student firefighter. Within the UAF community, UFD serves as a vehicle for transformation, shaping the lives and futures of those who answer the call to serve.

The call to serve: A transformative beginning

For many student firefighters, the journey may begin with a simple desire to serve their community. Possibly a family member, or someone they know served. Drawn by a sense of duty and compassion, they start on a path that will test their courage, resilience, and character. The decision to become a UFD student firefighter marks the beginning of a transformative journey that transcends traditional academic pursuits.

Balancing academics and service: Learning time management 

The life of a UFD student firefighter is one of balance, requiring adeptness in juggling academic responsibilities with the demands of emergency response and training. Your UFD student firefighters work a 48/96 schedule (48 hours on duty, 96 hours off duty) that averages 56 hours a week on duty, maintaining a required minimum of 12 credits per semester and being in good academic standing.  Additionally, we have hours and hours of on-the-job training and department-required skills assessments to advance past the employment probation period, to drive our fire apparatus, or to serve as a lead emergency medical technician. This balance teaches valuable lessons in time management, prioritization and adaptability. Through the challenges of balancing coursework with late-night training drills or early-morning emergency calls, student firefighters emerge with a newfound sense of discipline and determination.

Hands-on learning: Real-life lessons in leadership and teamwork

While textbooks and lectures offer valuable knowledge, there is no substitute for real-life experience. Student firefighters respond to emergencies and are thrust into high-stakes situations that demand quick thinking, decisive action, and effective communication. We respond to over 2,000 emergency incidents annually in our off-campus (University Fire Service Area) and campus community. In the heat of the moment, they discover the true meaning of leadership and teamwork, learning to trust their instincts and rely on their team. These hands-on experiences become catalysts for personal growth, shaping individuals who are not only capable firefighters but also empathetic leaders and collaborators.

Community engagement: Making a difference

Beyond their role in emergency response, student firefighters actively engage with the community, participating in fire prevention programs, community outreach initiatives, educational workshops and volunteering. Through these efforts, they become ambassadors for fire safety and preparedness, empowering their peers and community members with life-saving knowledge.

Personal reflections: Stories of growth and transformation

Within the ranks of the UFD, each student firefighter carries a unique story of growth and transformation. From overcoming fears to discovering untapped strengths, their journey is marked by moments of triumph, and self-discovery while creating lifelong friends and mentors. I am still friends with the student firefighters I started at UFD with over 26 years ago! As they reflect on their experiences, they emerge not only as skilled firefighters, but also as better humans equipped to navigate life's challenges with courage and compassion.

Final thought

In the firehalls of the University Fire Department, student firefighters undergo a journey, shaped by the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of public service. As we celebrate their dedication and commitment, let us recognize the transformative power of their journey and the lasting impact they leave on the UAF community and beyond. Through their service, they ignite a flame of inspiration that illuminates the path for future generations of student firefighters, carrying forward the legacy of courage, compassion, and resilience.

Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF's leadership team every week. On occasion, a guest writer is invited to contribute a column.