Nearly 80 youth took part in the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Fish with a Firefighter event on April 26 at Yoctangee Park.
According to an announcement, members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 300 and Ohio Department of Natural Resources provided fishing instruction and assistance to the participants.
The event was part of a series of free, community-based youth outreach activities organized under the USA’s flagship conservation program, Work Boots on the Ground.
“It seems like the kids had a good time,” IAFF Local 300 Treasurer/Secretary Scotty LaGard said. “We were just excited they got to see the fire trucks, catch some fish and enjoy time outside, even though it was a little cold. Some of these kids brought up trout and were excited. I had one kid bring up the smallest bluegill and he was just so ecstatic that he caught a fish.”
The best part of the day, according to IAFF Local 300 Interim President Jason Miller, was giving away rods and reels for kids in attendance to take home.
“Kids won’t get into fishing unless someone gives them the opportunity,” he said. “Hopefully the enjoyment they found in fishing and spending time outdoors at this event encourages them to continue to keep it a strong aspect of their lives as they get older.”
As a father of three, hunter and fisherman, LaGard said events like Fish with a Firefighter give the community a chance to see firefighters in a different light.
“We want to be able to be community-based,” LaGard said. “We live in a smaller community and want them to see us outside of work and learn about things we are interested in as well. This is a way for us to give back. One of the best things is when a kid comes to the firehouse just to see a firetruck. That brightens your day because as firefighters, you see kids at the worst possible moments. When you see a kid smiling, it’s the best.”
Fish with a Firefighter was not only an opportunity for firefighters to engage with the community, but it also built camaraderie among the volunteers.
“A good majority of guys I hunt and fish with are all in the department or have retired from the department,” Miller said. “Having the ability to find people who fish and hunt and have similar interests makes it a more comfortable process to get to know people and continues relationships that you’ve built throughout your career.”
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