Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a firefighter? Just talk to Chief Doug Moore of the Cleves Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Moore has dedicated his life to protecting the residents and visitors to the Western part of Hamilton County for the past 27 years.Becoming a firefighter was carrying on the tradition of his family. Chief Moore’s father was a past chief of the Cleves Volunteer Fire Department before he retired. Chief Moore’s wife, Sara, who coincidentally is an EMS instructor here at Raymond Walters College, has been working as the Assistant Chief of EMS for the past fifteen years.
When asked what problems he faces as chief of a small village department, Chief Moore explained that the biggest problem facing his department is financing the equipment and training of his department. Chief Moore is looking to replace his second engine with a newer more equipped one, and also to turn his department into a part time paid department. In order to do this, he has to receive support from the Cleves Village council.
In his 27 plus years of being a career firefighter, I asked Chief Moore what was the scariest experience he has ever had. He told me that any structure fire is scary. In a structure fire, you don’t know what to expect. You have to keep continual accountability of all your personnel. Another scary type of call that Chief Moore does not like responding to is any call having to do with children.
When asked what his most rewarding experience has been, Chief Moore said being successful. The only reward that Chief Moore receives from leading his department is knowing they gave it their all in protecting life and property. There have been times where Chief Moore and his department have not saved a life, or protected a structure from fire.
The hardest thing Chief Moore has ever had to deal with is any death in the line of duty. “When a life is lost, it really begins to eat you.” Chief Moore related an experience when he worked with the Whitewater Township Fire Department. He worked with Paul Montavan Sr. “The last thing I told him was be careful,” Chief Moore said. “It was the last thing I said to him.” Later that day, tones were dropped to let fire departments know on the west side of Hamilton County that Paul Montavan had passed away. Montavan, a 32-year veteran of the fire service, suffered a massive heart attack after responding to a domestic injury response.
When asked about the sense of family, Chief Moore explained fully that that was what being a firefighter was, being part of a family. When Colerain Township Fire Department lost Captain Robin Broxterman and Firefighter Brian Schira, the whole firefighting profession was devastated. To show their support for the department and the families of the deceased firefighters, Chief Moore’s station had a fundraiser and donated the money to the families. Chief Moore said that a family member of one of the lost firefighters told him that she was not sure what the firefighting profession was all about until she was handed a check for money that was raised during the fundraisers.
Chief Moore, when asked what was the most important thing to remember as a fireman, said that the first and foremost important thing was to look out for yourself. Along with this answer, Chief Moore gave strong advice to those either considering a career in firefighting or those who have just joined: “Get as much knowledge while you are young. Ask questions and learn from those who have the experience. Do not think you know everything, because your ego and unwillingness to learn can get someone hurt or killed.”
There is no doubt that Chief Moore and his personnel at Station 22, in Cleves, will keep you safe. With trainings held every Thursday night, this 25-30 person department strives to do their part in ensuring your safety. With mutual aid from surrounding departments, Station 22 is there.