Father and Son Volunteers Battle Their First Fire Together

In a proud moment for local emergency services and family tradition, Assistant Chief of Fort Washington Fire Company Eric Clauson and his son, 16-year-old Junior Firefighter Brett Clauson, successfully extinguished a residential fire on July 24.

"My training on how to properly lay in and hook up to a hydrant is one of the key reasons I was able to complete the task on an actual fire scene," said Brett.

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Having only practiced the task once in training, Brett was initially nervous, making it more rewarding when he successfully executed it on the scene.

"We trained with my son and other newer members the week before this call, and I knew this was a working fire, so I asked him if he was ready while driving to the call," said Eric. "He said 'yes' and once he sent the water down the supply line, I knew he had done his job."

Eric is an inspiration to his son.

"It was exciting to be able to go on an incident of that scale and help my dad," said Brett. "Seeing his experience in action motivates me to keep pushing myself and learn as much as I can from him."

The Clausons are excited to continue training and protecting their community together.

"We have gone on probably 15 or 20 calls together so far and it's great," said Eric. "I never once discussed joining the fire company with him; he made the decision to join on his own."

Most junior firefighting programs in Montgomery County start at 16 years old. Eric also joined the fire company as a junior firefighter when he was 16 years old.

"I didn't have any family who volunteered, but when the opportunity was presented to me, I took it and haven't looked back," said Eric. "Joining as a junior helped shape me in many ways."

Junior firefighters learn life-saving skills and gain mentors that help them build confidence in their daily lives. The training includes various exterior roles on the scene of the fire such as running hoses, laddering buildings and grabbing tools

"Many junior firefighters go on to become career firefighters," said Eric. "The opportunities are vast."

Balancing school, sports, extracurriculars, and a social life can be a lot on top of the fire company; however, Brett finds ease in the flexibility of his volunteer role.

"Nobody expects you to know everything on day one," Brett explained. "They teach you everything you need to know and always support you. We are volunteers and give what time we can."

Regardless of experience, everyone comes together for a common purpose: to protect the people and property in their community.

"We have members from 16 all the way to their 80s from all walks of life, and I am sure they would all say that becoming a firefighter was one of the best things they ever did," said Eric.

Volunteers are provided with training and gear at no cost to them. Montgomery County residents looking to make a difference in their community can volunteer with their local fire company and get connected to their closest station by filling out an inquiry form at www.montcofirefighters.org.