NVFC Member Spotlight: Linda Pyle

Name: Linda Pyle
Title: Firefighter/EMT
Department: Butler County Fire District 11 – Towanda
Location: Towanda, KS

Why are you an NVFC member?
It is the only organization that is specifically targeted towards volunteers. Towanda has a long history of volunteer firefighters, beginning in 1919. My husband and his father have been fire chiefs since at least 1960. Once I retired from teaching, I was spending more time assisting at the station and saw a need in our small community for firefighters and EMTs. Joining the department, I began to expand my knowledge base and used the free educational offerings and wrote several grants for our department, some of which we were honored to receive.

What is your occupation?
Retired high school English, speech, and theatre teacher

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
It is a family thing with my husband being chief and my daughter serving as well. The need to protect our community and give back is very important to me as well. I went back to school and got my EMT license (at age 60) and have completed Haz Mat, FF1, and FF2 as well since then. I also use my background as an educator to present to our elementary schools and civic organizations about fire safety topics.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
2022

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
My most memorable moments are probably the hardest. We know the vast majority of our patients personally. Being there for their families is the most important thing sometimes when the outcomes are not what we would want. We also fight many wildland/grass fires in our district and extinguishing those fires that threaten homes in their path during windy days is the most memorable.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
In addition to our answering calls, whether a life or death medical call, a structure fire, or just changing the batteries on alarming smoke detectors, we provide station tours and public education programs at all our schools. We host two fundraisers per year that are more community events than fundraisers. We host a Free Family Fun night with water games in June at our park and provide end of the year water sprays for all our local schools. We participate in the Homecoming parade and send-off parades for our state-bound athletes. In addition, we support our local organizations and events with volunteer service.

What practices help you stay physically and mentally strong for your crew?
I have personally begun a serious weight-loss program that includes Pilates, walking, and weight training. I take the time to do things that bring me joy such as reading, sewing, spending time with family and grandkids, volunteering at our local library and museum. We also love to travel. A life of service requires your own cup to be full in order to pour into others.

Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.