| This month we sat down with Captain Travis Pope to ask him a few questions about being a volunteer firefighter with OVFC.
Travis joined OVFC in 2002, after being a member in Gordonsville Fire Company for 10 years. Travis lives in Orange, with his wife, Renee, daughters Kaylie and Karrie, and their dog, Bailey. He is a Lieutenant for Spotsylvania County Fire and Emergency Management, currently assigned to Ladder 11. He is also a drag racing enthusiast.
1. Why did you join OVFC?
"I enjoy serving the community and enjoy the brotherhood of the fire service."
2. What is the most rewarding part of volunteering?
"Knowing that you've helped someone in the community when they are having one of the worst days of their life."
3. What would you tell someone who is thinking of joining OVFC?
"It's a great opportunity to learn the fire service and help your community. There is a lot of commitment involved in the initial training process to become a certified firefighter which is required by the department."
4. Other than running calls and training, what are some of the other responsibilities you have at the firehouse?
"I am in charge of apparatus maintenance, as well as purchasing of equipment for the apparatus. I serve on the apparatus committee and assist with training as needed."
5. While a lot of the time the primary focus is on the firefighters who are running the calls, their families and the sacrifices they make are often over looked. We took a minute to sit down with Travis's wife, Renee and asked her; What is it like to have a husband as a volunteer fire fighter?
"There's always that little bit of fear that sits in the back of your mind when the tones drop, but I know Travis has a lot of experience and his dedication to the department is unwavering. There are sacrifices, missed dinners, sudden interruptions, but at the end of the day, I know he loves the fire service, he is committed to serving his community, and I truly admire that. That selflessness is what I love most about him." |
