Firefighter of the Year

( Phil Jacob, that is ... )

SLIGHTLY OFF THE MARK

( Sometimes, when the temperature reached the minus category, I had to think to myself: “Do I really want to douse this fire? It just seems like folly.” But I did, because if I didn’t Phil Jacob would be right on my behind, ready to put it out through sheer force of will. The fire, not my behind. )

This photo at a fire in Albion was taken, I believe, by Terrie Beckley. (I apologize if I'm wrong.) Phil isn't wearing gear because the fire broke out only a block from the Noble County Courthouse, where he works, so he headed straight for the scene. That's me on the left, stretching a line toward the rear to help protect the large house to the left; Phil is getting another line ready while the rest of the crew gears up. A short time after this photo was taken, the house started shooting at us. (Seriously -- ammunition cooking off.)
( And here's Phil in action at a fire: )