Every issue we sit down with a member of the Evansville Fire District to hear their story in their own words — why they serve, what keeps them coming back, and what it's like behind the scenes.
Ken grew up in Evansville and still calls it home today. Over four decades with the department, he's taken on all types of calls — "if I can help, I will go!" — and picked up training and certifications along the way, from the basics through to whatever the job asked of him next.
"The Evansville Fire District means the world to me — because we are a great group of people."
What Drew Him In
"Helping people out in their time of need." Ken's been guided by that same reason since day one — he responds to any call he can, and says the most rewarding part of the job is "helping people out in good times and bad."
On the Job
Ask Ken what a typical week looks like, and he'll tell you there isn't one — "there is no typical week, always something new." He says being part of EFD has made him a better person, and the hardest part he's faced simply comes down to one thing: age is never a reason to sit out.
A Word to the Community
Ken says the best part of station life is "working together with other cities, and learning all the time." When asked what makes someone a great volunteer firefighter, his answer was simple: "someone who wants to help others." And when a call stays with him? It's the hardest part of the job — "when we lose good friends."
Quick Fire Round
Favorite Apparatus
All of Them
Go-To Meal
Just About Anything
Outside the Station
Builds Lego Cars
One Word for the Crew
The Best!
Firefighter Spotlight
Steve Ward
2nd Captain — 18 Years of Service
Steve grew up just outside Cottage Grove, but Evansville is home — "this is where my family started." Away from the station, you'll find him hunting, fishing, camping, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family and friends.
"Commitment and honor. I know in the time of need someone is going to be there for me — this is my family."
What Drew Him In
Firefighting runs in the family — Steve's dad was a volunteer firefighter, and Steve grew up seeing "the fire dept and people as a second family."
On the Job
Ask Steve what's most rewarding about being a volunteer firefighter and the answer is simple: "helping people." The biggest challenge? Time management — juggling work and family life.
A Call That Stayed With Him
Steve will always remember a house fire where, shortly after the fire was out, he went back in to salvage some of the family's personal belongings. "When I brought them out to the family, the expressions on their faces said it all. We brought them a little good at a bad time."
Thinking About Joining?
Steve's advice: "Do it. Part of the reason I joined was to meet others in our community."
