Volunteer Spotlight: Calvin Golbek

Name: Calvin Golbek
Title: Fire Chief
Department Name: Tiawah Fire Department
Location: Claremore, OK

Why are you an NVFC member?
For me, I feel more connected and in touch with the happenings in the volunteer fire service. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for 34 years and a chief for 24 years. I always and consistently want to improve and be better at my job and my responsibilities. I absolutely feel that NVFC helps me accomplish this. From understanding what is going on around the country with other departments to the online training classes and everything offered in between, NVFC is a steadfast resource for me. I wouldn’t want to continue to serve without being a member of NVFC. It is that important to me.

What is your occupation?
Aviation maintenance technician

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
When I was younger, it was probably more about the excitement. Now, it truly is about helping others – the ability to make a positive impact where I live. It’s about being there for someone in their hardest time. I truly love serving.

What year did you join the fire or emergency service?
1991

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
There have been quite a few over time:

  •  Making a stop on a residential fire with an APW while attack lines were being established
  • A husband coming to the firehouse with such heartfelt gratitude after a cardiac arrest save on his wife
  • Spending four days with our county task force assisting after the Joplin, MO, tornado

Just to name a few.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
This is hard to write about yourself, but [there are] a few notable contributions about our department since I began volunteering. We’ve lowered our ISO rating. We’ve begun running EMS first response. We’ve begun running rescue response. We’ve obtained auto-aid agreements with two neighboring departments on all structure fires. All of these contributions create significant improvements to the impact we have on our community.

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