Community Corner
'Like Family' On And Off Duty: Life Inside A Busy Fire Department
"We live, train and respond together — it's a family atmosphere," says Captain Hayden Harshman.
First responders are a vital part of our communities, keeping us safe and playing an integral role in daily life. Patch and T-Mobile have partnered on a Ride-Along series to showcase the important work these departments and individuals do every day.
We had the opportunity to speak with Captain Hayden Harshman of the Oceanside Fire Department to learn more about the department, life as a firefighter and the impact of their work.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Can you tell us about the Oceanside Fire Department?
Captain Harshman: We serve a geographical boundary of about 42 square miles. Our department consists of eight fire stations — soon to be nine — with approximately 44 personnel on duty each day. We operate eight fire engines, one truck, one Marine Safety Unit, six ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulances, two BLS (Basic Life Support) ambulances and one part-time ambulance staffed with SkillBridge personnel from the military.
What does a typical day look like for a firefighter in Oceanside?
Captain Harshman: Our shifts start at 7 a.m., and everyone must be on duty with their personal protective equipment ready. The first task is to communicate with the outgoing shift, log into our computer programs and prepare for the day. Depending on the schedule, we may have departmental training or company-level drills. Since we live in our stations for extended shifts, there are also daily maintenance and household responsibilities to take care of.
What inspired you to pursue a career in firefighting?
Captain Harshman: I graduated college in August 2001, thinking opportunities would immediately open up for me, but that wasn’t the case. Then, a month later, September 11 happened, and that moment changed everything. I became interested in the fire service, started taking classes and found my path to becoming a firefighter.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Oceanside community?
Captain Harshman: The sense of community is incredible. Our department embraces a family-like atmosphere, which extends to how we serve the public. The city itself has a lot of civic pride, and that energy fuels our passion for the job. Within the department, we live together, train together and go on difficult calls together, always pushing each other to be better.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the department?
Captain Harshman: We are the busiest fire department in North County, responding to over 25,000 calls annually. We've assisted in large-scale incidents like the Montecito mudslides and wildfires across California, Wyoming and Oregon. The last few years have been especially transformative, and we’re continuing to grow as a department to better serve the community.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career in firefighting?
Captain Harshman: Start by earning your EMT certification. From there, gain hands-on experience, attend a fire academy and complete paramedic school. The process is both physically and mentally demanding, so being prepared for the challenges ahead is essential.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the community about the department?
Captain Harshman: Our mission is to embrace families and safeguard communities. We love Oceanside just as much as the people who call it home, and we are committed to serving and protecting our city every day.
More About the Oceanside Fire Department
The Oceanside Fire Department offers several ways for individuals to get involved and explore career opportunities in fire service:
- Fire Explorer Program – For youth ages 15-20 interested in firefighting.
- Junior Lifeguard Program – For youth ages 9-17 interested in ocean safety.
- Emergency Medical Technician – Gain hands-on experience for a firefighting career.
- Lifeguard – Seasonal recruitments open in the spring.
- Firefighter/Paramedic – Lateral firefighter/paramedic recruitment is currently open!
- Community Risk Reduction Division Inspectors & Specialists – Part-time positions available. Contact (760) 435-4101 for details.
- Logistics Technicians – Part-time positions available at various times.
For more information, visit the Oceanside Fire Department website and explore opportunities to serve your community!
Learn About T-Priority, America’s best 5G network experience for first responders:
T-Priority is T-Mobile’s exclusive program designed to provide first responders with the best 5G network experience. This program prioritizes fast, reliable service even during high network congestion, ensuring that first responders stay connected when it matters most. In addition, T-Mobile offers special discounts to first responders on eligible plans, helping them save while staying connected with America's best 5G network.
Get more information about T-Priority and the first responder discounts here.
