PHOTOS: Social media is a staple in our daily lives, and one local firefighter is using it to give a unique perspective on what it means to be a firefighter without having to wear all the gear. Robert Gray, a firefighter with Spokane County Fire District 9, helps with the district’s social media presence. Gray shared, “Our job is so hard to capture…so just trying to find unique shots to show the public what we do.” Gray, who has no formal training in social media management, describes himself as a self-taught, avid user. “I’ve never been to any formal schooling or got a degree in social media management. I’m just an avid user and I’m…learn self learn,” he said.
His content ranges from humorous takes, like using the old MTV Cribs show format to bring people into open firehouses, to more serious footage, such as car fire rescues. Gray stated, “I wouldn’t say it’s tough at all. I actually really enjoy it…me knowing exactly what the firefighters are going to do, anticipating their movement, I can get in position for that shot, opposed to somebody who’s never been in the fire service, might miss an opportunity.” One of his innovative techniques is the “nozzle cam,” which provides a view of extinguishing a fire from the hose’s perspective. In these videos, viewers can see the transformation of yellow flames into white smoke within seconds.
