Mother Enjoys Helping Community as an Iberia Volunteer Firefighter

Volunteer firefighters learn many life lessons on the job, and Jamie Cawthon-Pyke of is glad she’s able to pass some of them onto her young children.

“It’s showing them that you don’t always have to get paid for your actions,” said Jamie. “You can do things for free and it will come back to you in due time.”

Jamie and her husband, Guy Pyke, have been volunteering with Iberia Rural Fire Protection District since last fall. The couple enjoys volunteering together and bringing their children Mackenzie, 9, and Michael, 7, into the station for visits and training sessions.

“They really enjoy doing that,” Jamie said. “One of the things that’s really nice about the department is they are always more than happy to allow your children to come as long as it is safe.”

Recently, their children had the opportunity to experience training with Phelps Air, an emergency helicopter medical service.

“They were able to walk up and talk with them and see a Phelps Air helicopter, which not all kids get to see,” Jamie said.

The couple originally began volunteering with another area fire department but followed the footsteps of their friends and joined Iberia.

Guy is a retired veteran with 20-years of service. Volunteering as a firefighter has eased his transition back into civilian life. Jamie appreciates volunteering with her husband because it has given her “a better understanding of his mindset with camaraderie and being a part of something bigger than yourself.”

As a volunteer firefighter, Jamie responds to fire calls, search and rescue operations, motor vehicle accidents, and more. She has gained decision-making, teamwork, and interpersonal skills — which have helped in her professional career as a paralegal for a personal injury law firm.

With Iberia being her hometown, Jamie most enjoys being able to help the community that helped raise her.

“We are a little community where everybody knows everybody,” she said. “It feels good when you go out on a call and help someone that they know who you are.”

She encourages anyone interested in volunteering, especially those who enjoy lots of action and movement, to fill out an inquiry form or visit the station.

“Our doors are always open,” said Jamie. “If someone ever wants to come talk with us, ask a question, or what it feels like to sit in a fire truck they are more than welcome to come down to the firehouse.”

While she’s not working or volunteering at the station, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering as a Girl Scout troop leader. The couple stays busy balancing family, work, and volunteering — but Jamie says it’s “just one of my ways of giving back.”

Iberia Rural Fire Protection District has a wide range of volunteer opportunities. All the training and gear are provided at no charge. Ways to volunteer include:

Firefighter- As a volunteer firefighter you’ll learn practical skills in operating and using tools, including driving emergency vehicles, performing search and rescue operations, and learning basic first-aid skills. Volunteer firefighting will also sharpen your decision-making, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Administrative Volunteer- Being a volunteer does not always mean fighting a fire or tending to victims in an accident. In addition to being on the frontlines, we are always looking for volunteers to help in the many areas that keep our department running:

• Office Personnel / Accounting / Finance
• Fundraising / Marketing / Grant and Proposal Writing
• Recruiting & Retention
• Accident Response Reporting

Firehouse Maintenance- Looking for different ways to support the Iberia Rural Fire Protection District? Help us keep our fire stations and equipment in top shape by aiding in:

• Vehicle Maintenance
• Equipment Management
• Groundskeeping
• General Housekeeping

To learn more about Iberia Rural Fire Protection District and volunteering, visit Iberia Rural Fire Protection District www.iberiafire.org