Community Corner
Inside The Life Of A Firefighter: Courage, Community & Commitment
"We travel together, go to sporting events together, share our families' birthdays together," says Chief Meisenhelter.
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 Brent Meisenhelter, Battalion Chief at the Ocean City Fire Department, to learn more about the department, life as a firefighter and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about the Ocean City Fire Department?
Chief Miesenhelter: Ocean City is a coastal town on the Jersey Shore; the area is 11.7 square miles (including land and water areas). Ocean City Fire Department also provides mutual aid to its neighboring towns such as Strathmere, Sea Isle, Marmora, Somers Point, Longport and Margate, to name a few. Key responsibilities include fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention and education and community support.
What does a typical day look like for a first responder in Ocean City?
Chief Miesenhelter: The typical day starts with a roll call of all on-duty personnel (at 8 a.m.), which includes a briefing of required activities and functions for the day. The personnel are always at the ready to receive calls for emergency and or assistance; this includes firefighting operations, medical emergencies and public services for the community, to name a few.
The fire department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Station maintenance, training, report writing, apparatus maintenance and equipment maintenance are just a few things that are considered job duties and performed on a daily basis. These duties are performed around the calls for service throughout the day. All of the on-duty personnel live at each fire station during the course of their 24-hour workday. We live at our respective “home away from home” until the shift day ends at 8 a.m.
Can you tell us a bit about your career in firefighting and what inspired you to pursue this line of work?
Chief Miesenhelter: I would have to say that my passion for the fire service started as a young boy. My father and my uncle were Ocean City firefighters, so I would say the life of firefighting is a family occupation. I remember watching my father leave in the morning for work in his uniform, [and] it always seemed to me that he must be an important person and doing an important job.
As time went by, I would overhear the stories of bravery as he would go to these emergencies, such as fires and traffic accidents, and help people in their greatest time of need. That feeling of having an impact on someone's life has resonated with me my entire life.
As I approached that time in my life to decide my career, fate guided me to the decision to take an exam and have the opportunity to be hired by the Ocean City Fire Department. It is a true saying: “When you truly enjoy your profession, is it work?”
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Ocean City community?
Chief Miesenhelter: Ocean City is very unique and the sense of community is strong. Ocean City is known as “America's Greatest Family Resort” for a reason — the residents and visitors alike feel the sense of safety and caring, making Ocean City a top vacation destination. Even though the population swells in the summer season, you still feel the small-town charm that makes you feel welcome and comfortable.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the department?
Chief Miesenhelter: Life is made upon memories, some good and some bad. As with a family you grow and experience things daily that are memorable, these moments become part of you. You begin to realize that you have an incredible support system (a second family).
For me, memorable moments range from a job well done, personal experiences and outings with friends and co-workers. The fire department is a family. We travel together, go to sporting events together, share our families’ birthdays together, to name a few. It would be impossible to place one memory in front of another. The fire service is a life unlike any other.
What advice would you offer to someone considering becoming a first responder?
Chief Miesenhelter: Being a first responder is not just a career; it is a calling. Someone considering a career as a first responder should understand that it will not only take physical strength — it also requires intelligence, emotional strength, perseverance and strength of character. Although the life of a first responder can be stressful and demanding, opportunities to make a difference in someone's life through selfless acts of courage and bravery are a valuable concession.
As a first responder, you will have stability, a comfortable salary and the opportunities to form relationships in your organization as well as outside. As a first responder, you will become a part of a collective that will allow you to network and become friends and acquaintances throughout the nation as well as internationally.
More About The Ocean City Fire Department
As part of its commitment to community safety and education, the Ocean City Fire Department offers CPR training to the public. CPR courses are taught in a blended learning style, with the classroom training completed online (via the American Heart Association) and in-person skills check by Ocean City Fire Department personnel.
Available courses include CPR & AED, Heartsaver First Aid and BLS Healthcare Provider (for professional responders); on-site training is also available for organizations.
For more information, visit the Ocean City Fire Department website.
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.
