VIDEO: With just five fire stations covering the city, Casper firefighters spend every shift responding to emergencies or training for the next one. From battling fires to handling life-saving medical calls, these first responders face danger head-on to protect the community.
Every second counts in an emergency, and Captain Topher Steinhoff says firefighters are professional problem-solvers, always ready for whatever comes their way. “There’s a lot of calls, there’s a lot of changes, there’s a lot of training, there’s a lot of resource allocation that has to happen and figuring out who’s where at what time to make sure that we never lapse in coverage to the community,” said Captain Steinhoff.
Each station staffs’ firefighters, engineers, and a captain on every shift, all overseen by a battalion chief who coordinates citywide response. At every shift change, crews check every piece of equipment from engines and hoses to the blue, red, and black medical bags to ensure the truck is fully ready before their first call. “It’s our mobile toolbox that has everything we could possibly need. Our primary role is usually fire attack, safety, or search. We have to be prepared to handle it in any way, shape, or form,” Steinhoff said.
Engineers memorize their districts to navigate the fastest routes, getting trucks to emergencies as quickly as possible. And because no two calls are the same, training never stops. During a ride-along, a false fire alarm at Primrose became a training opportunity. “When we get to things like that… we use it as a training opportunity. Since we’re already there, we move the truck and pre-plan,” said Probationary Firefighter Thayne Trumbull.
Teamwork continues inside the station. Firefighters cook, eat, and work out together, building a family-like bond that often lasts a lifetime. “Usually on our first day we go to the store for at least two breakfasts and two dinners,” Steinhoff said. “Out of our own pockets, just to be clear.”
