Volunteer Spotlight: Steve VanHolstyn

Name: Steve VanHolstyn
Title: Deputy Chief
Department Name: Sheridan Fire Department
Location: Sheridan, MI

Why are you an NVFC member?
Initially, because it was required in order to apply for a giveaway/grant program I wanted to submit for. As a result, I have been able to take advantage of so many other opportunities and have continued my membership since.

What is your occupation?
Towing and recovery

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
I have been in the fire service since 1983 as an Explorer and have held every position from Explorer, firefighter, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief, and as the training officer, too. I am not sure why I joined the fire service; none of my family or close family friends were on the job. In fact, my oldest brother joined the fire service after I did, and he retired as a lieutenant from a large metro fire department in Michigan.

What year did you join the fire or emergency service?
1983

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
Serving more than 40 years, there are so many memorable moments to reflect on; some randomly appear, others arrive on a specific day each year. There have been childbirths in the back of the ambulance, witnessing a female go from a cardiac arrest to talking to us as we loaded her in the ambulance. There was the landscaper who rolled over in his machine trapping him inside; 2 days later buying us lunch at a local restaurant to say thank you for saving his life. An officer involved shooting with a crossbow and after a year off, we both came back to work the same day; he says I saved his life, I say he saved mine. The countless room and contents fires that were quickly extinguished by my brothers and sisters and ultimately saved thousands of dollars of damage over the years.

And, as a fire instructor and fire academy director, the hundreds of young men and women who dedicated themselves to obtaining their firefighter certification, learned and honed their skills to successfully be professional contributors in their communities. To be able to say that I helped mentor their future, their successes, in the greatest job in the world!

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
Our community is small and rural, so everyone really does in fact know everyone. We recently started a free smoke alarm program, with installation, to allow public access to smoke alarms, CO alarms, and fire escape ladders to those in our community who need them – for free. Our school fire education program sees hundreds of school children each year at our fire station, and every year we prepare them for what to do in case of a home fire, how to call 9-1-1, and even have them go through our own 2-story smokehouse that is adjacent to our fire station. The smokehouse was built by our community partners using funds donated to that project.

Our community supports our department through organized fundraising events and community projects and events. We attended more than two dozen parades in and out of our area because it is important for us and our communities to know who we are and we are there for them, regardless of where they live. Those same people may be passing through our area and need emergency assistance, and they should know who is standing by ready to provide them aid.

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