Volunteer Spotlight: Rick Davidsavor

Name: Rick Davidsavor
Title: Firefighter
Department: Cushing Rural Fire Corporation
Location: St. Croix Falls, WI

Why are you an NVFC member?
NVFC helps keep me informed and connected. Training updates and opportunities are the backbone of the volunteer firefighter. NVFC provides this. Legislative updates and goals are offered as well. Thank you NVFC!

What is your occupation?
Radio car – safety officer/airport division

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
I have been a volunteer firefighter for 50 years. I joined the department as a teen to fill a prominent need in my community. I feel responsible for caring for my neighbors and I am proud to say that both of my sons have followed me in that responsibility!

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
1972

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
We have had numerous CPR saves, and having some survivors return to our station to thank the department is always heartfelt. We extricated a young man from a motor vehicle rollover. He had spinal fractures. Three weeks later he returned – walking — with his mother to our fire meeting to thank us! Special! We had a silo rescue out of our coverage area, in which a young man was entangled in the silo unloader. We extricated him and lowered him down the exterior of the silo for transport. He lost his leg, but is fit and healthy nearly 30 years later! We could go on and on and on, but then we would be bragging!

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
We were instrumental in developing and implementing the wildland fire/rural interface field incident command system used by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and nationally. We participate in a smoke/carbon monoxide detector program in our coverage area. We provide fire prevention and fire safety programs to the school children in our district.

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