Two and a half years ago Jordan Fenimore was a motorcycle mechanic in Denver. Today he is an EMT and firefighter for the Rye Fire Protection District, the Westcliffe Volunteer Fire Department and Custer County Emergency Medical Services.
How did the New Orleans, Louisiana born and raised Fenimore end up living in Westcliffe, CO? Well about three years ago, the apartment he had leased for a long time in Denver got sold out from under him and Fenimore decided it was time for a change of pace and direction in his life so he, his wife Nova, and Hailey his 10- year-old daughter ended up in Westcliffe.
He and his family ended up in a home near Lake DeWeese. “It was really rural, and we were surrounded by trees and I began to think about fire mitigation to protect my home,” shared Fenimore. “Part of my education was visiting with some of the firefighters and they suggested I apply with the Westcliffe Volunteer Department. I did, and now have worked with them for almost three years.”
Like many firemen, Fenimore expanded his new trade to the Rye Fire Protection District. A year ago, August, he began with RFPD. Fenimore works 48 hours on, four days off, and 48 hours on.
The certifications he has between the two agencies include EMT Basic IV, Firefighter Type 2-Wildland, Firefighter, type 1- Structure, Department HAZMAT certification, and Ice Water and Ropes Rescue Certification. When Fenimore isn’t working he and his family like the outdoors and he likes dirt bike riding.
“This move and new vocation has been a nice change of pace,” he mentioned. “I plan to start classes to become a paramedic within the next year. I want to continue to advance in my training level and would really like to get my dive certification so I can assist in deep water rescue.”
“I like the outdoors so that’s part of why I am so passionate about all of this,” he commented. “I enjoy all aspects of the training and want to assist others who have a bad time of it.”
The 34-year-old realizes he is at a prime time to help. “I’m able bodied at the moment and want to assist others while I physically can,” he opined.
If there is a negative, Fenimore misses his family on those 48-hour shifts. He shared that he misses tucking his 10-year-old into bed at night.
Last Easter Sunday, Westcliffe had a 321-acre fire. “As the in-laws and family were pulling up to the house, I got called out,” he recalled. “I spent all of Easter out fighting a fire instead of being with my family.”
But all in all, this former motorcycle mechanic has a passion for what he does. “I look everyday at my new career and am so glad, both through EMS and firefighting, that I get a chance to serve both communities. I feel gratitude for the opportunity to work in both capacities and grateful to serve.”