TOPEKA (KSNT) — Firefighters are being recognized for the work they do in communities every day for International Firefighters’ Day.
At the Topeka Fire Department, firefighters such as Thomas Treantafeles say their role is rooted in service and helping others, something that often starts with family influence.
“What inspired me to begin with was I come from a family of public service employees,” Treantafeles said. “So my grandpa was actually a Chicago fireman. My dad was a police officer, both brothers, uncle, cousins. So family history of helping other people and giving back to the community hasn’t really changed. Still want to, you know, do the right thing and help other people.”
Trentafeles says one part of the job many people don’t see is the close bond built between crew members.
“I would say the camaraderie between the people that we work with it, you know, this is our family and we have families at home, obviously, but coming here and being with the people that we, you know, we work 24 hours a day,” Treantafeles said. “So they are they are family now. So we are we all get really close.”
They also say managing the mental and emotional demands of the job is important, especially with long hours and high-stress situations.
“You got to have an out. You got to have some hobbies to do when you’re off work,” Treantafeles said. “Find a way to decompress from all the stress and the lack of sleep that we get. My family’s a big one for me. Love spending time with them and hanging out my wife and son and just being outdoors.”
Treantafeles says strong leadership is also key in the field.
“You have to lead by example. you have to be the first one to do anything, and you can’t ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself,” Treantafeles said.
Despite the challenges, Treantafeles says the most rewarding part of the job is being able to help others when they need it most.
“Definitely helping people. You know, we get called out on the, could be the worst day of their lives and we try to make an impact and hopefully better that moment,” Treantafeles said. “And it’s rewarding when, when we do and can and we can see it whether it’s a young child or just somebody in need of help, that we can be there to make that difference.”
