Community Corner
New Hampshire First Responders: Dedicated To Service & Safety
Captain Glenn Nielsen discusses his career in the fire service, training new recruits, and what he loves most about Nashua Fire Rescue.
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 Glenn Nielsen, Captain of Nashua Fire Rescue, to learn more about the department, life as a firefighter and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about Nashua Fire Rescue?
Captain Nielsen: Nashua Fire Rescue (NFR) is a career fire department protecting an estimated population of 91,124 in a 31.9 square mile area of southern New Hampshire. Nashua is home to Boire Field (Nashua Airport) the second busiest airport in New England. The F.E. Everett Turnpike runs North and South through the city.
NFR provides an all-hazards response to fire calls, EMS first response and technical rescue. NFR provides Dive Rescue services, as well as a regional Hazardous Materials Response Team serving 18 area towns and cities.
What does a typical day look like for a first responder in Nashua?
Captain Nielsen: Nashua Fire Rescue work a 24-hour shift. A typical shift starts with a meeting to discuss anything important that has occurred over the previous shift and to outline training and other activities for the current shift. This is followed by truck and equipment checks, cleaning of apparatus, cleaning the station and company level training. Crews at each station will prepare and eat meals together.
Between calls, members have a variety of training to do. Some of this is to maintain our skills and proficiency, [like] medical training or dive team and hazmat team training. These are very specialized and take a great deal of training to remain proficient.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the fire service?
Captain Nielsen: My first exposure into the fire service started in college with a college fire department and joining my local volunteer fire department. After college, I started testing for career fire departments in several New England states. Nashua Fire Rescue was always my number one choice; however, NFR is a very sought-after department to work for with a very competitive applicant group.
My career path started with the Burlington Vermont Fire Department in 1997. Later, I was hired by Braintree Massachusetts in 1999 and in 2004 I was offered a position with Nashua. Along the way, I was afforded the opportunities to become and instructor and teach for both the MA and NH State Fire Academies. I took particular interest in all aspects of Technical Rescue and have been able to serve with the Inner-City Tunnel Rescue Team in Braintree and the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team, MATF-1, for the last 23 years. I have been able to use the experiences in the fire service and apply it in my current position as Captain of Training for NFR.
I have always liked the challenging and diverse work as a firefighter and the ability to help others in need. Each call can be challenging and present a unique challenge to overcome.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Nashua community?
Captain Nielsen: The city is a very diverse community to serve in. From the people who make up the city, the variety of businesses, different types of neighborhoods throughout the city, the airport, highways and even its location in New England. There are always different challenges presented to us.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the department?
Captain Nielsen: As the training officer for the department, my division assists with the hiring and training new members. To be able to follow those members from the testing and interview, through the hiring process, into recruit school for 6 weeks and see them all come together as a team and operate as one is exciting. The last week of recruit school is set up to mimic realistic fires and emergencies they may encounter during their careers. To see them complete the tasks presented to them and make “rescues” leaves me with a good feeling that the city is getting new employees who will be able to provide the city with the best care possible.
What advice would you offer to someone considering becoming a first responder?
Captain Nielsen: Being a first responder is a very rewarding career path. You feel like you made a difference in life and didn’t just sit back and watch life go by. You can look back at the lives and property you helped save and know you helped someone in their time of need.
For anyone in New Hampshire interested in being a career firefighter, you will need some initial certifications. Check with the NH Fire Academy or a college offering Fire Science on how to get started with training.
More About Nashua Fire Rescue
Nashua Fire Rescue recruits certified firefighters and EMTs through a competitive, inclusive process open once a year, typically from August to October. Applicants must have a high school diploma, and pass both a background check and physical ability testing. All eligible candidates are interviewed regardless of experience level; those accepted complete a 6-week recruit school focused on hands-on training and physical conditioning.
Learn more about Nashua Fire Rescue’s recruitment process in the below video:
For more information or to apply, contact FireCareers@NashuaNH.gov.
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Get more information about T-Priority and the first responder discounts here.
