Teenage Volunteer Firefighter Applicant One Step Closer to Dream

At 18 years old, Nathan Tiegs of Port Washington is on his way to fulfilling his dream of becoming a firefighter.

A senior at Port Washington High School, he’s been involved in the Firefighter Explorer program in Port Washington since his freshman year. The program is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of young adults interested in learning about the fire service.

Upon turning 18 earlier this year, Tiegs applied to be a volunteer firefighter with the City of Port Washington. However, before being accepted into the department he has to take an entry level firefighter course.

He’s now enrolled at Lakeshore Technical College and, if all goes well, he'll complete that required work this spring.

“The course teaches gear, firefighter functions, how to operate at a fire, and much more,” said Tiegs.

Port Washington Fire Chief Mark Mitchell has known Tiegs and his family for several years now and believes that he has the excitement, enthusiasm and dedication needed to take on this type of responsibility.

With approximately 60 volunteers under his command, which includes firefighters, EMTs and divers, Mitchell says this isn’t something that applicants should take lightly.

"We explain to them the time commitment as far as the training hours," he said. "After you become a firefighter/EMT there’s annual training requirements."

All indications are that firefighting is Tiegs’ career path.

He remembers when his grandfather, who was a volunteer firefighter with the Grafton Fire Department, took him to see the station for the first time at the age of 12. From that point on he was hooked.

In fall, Tiegs will be attending Lake Shore Technical College, full-time, enrolled in the Fire/Medic program there.   

“I understand the dangers involved in this field and I am aware that it is very demanding — physically and emotionally,” said Tiegs. "However this does not in any way change the fact that I know I was meant to be a firefighter and will do my absolute best when the time comes."

With recent retirements and resignations within the — including William Dudash, who had been with the department for 25 years — Chief Mitchell is looking forward to the addition of Tiegs and knows that if he continues to work hard he will reach whatever goals he sets.  

In the meantime, Tiegs continues his training with the Port Washington Department and is also volunteering with the North Shore Fire Department so he can learn as much as possible before hopefully becoming a full-fledged firefighter later this year.