Lovin' Life and Findin' My Heart in Crown King

Here we are, finishing up the last week of the second round of AmeriCorps NCCC. Life in Crown King is cozy but exciting. We've established ourselves as a part of the fire department and this community.
It's been 7 weeks and this place feels more like home than where I grew up. I can walk down to the saloon on my own for breakfast and as soon as I walk in I've got company and conversation that will last my whole Sunday. Here in Crown King, talking about weather gets you talking about someone's day which turns into a chat about their life. I've shared so many laughs, tears, and sighs talking about what has led us to this place. Crown King attracts honest and genuine people that work with all they have and love with their whole heart. As soon as you cross over Magic Bridge into town, leave your judgment and labels on the side of the dirt road. They won't help you and can't make sense in a place like this.


We work hard all day and the people of this town never stop showing their appreciation. A typical day begins at 0745 with our squads preparing each of the department vehicles for service. I'm on Squad Charlie and we're assigned to the Command and Rescue unit. At 0815 we start the PT regimen that chief provided us with. By 0845 we brief with the whole crew about our assignments for the day and we're out there working by 0900. When we get to the work site we decide who will swamp for each sawyer and who will build piles, cut line, and burn the slash. Lunch is at 1200 and our squads are back at Station 1 by 1630 so we can close up the vehicles for the night. Around 1645 we debrief the day's tasks and discuss any issues that may have come up. When we're lucky dinner, is ready around 1800 and from there everyone has personal time.

It's rare not to smell like diesel and wood smoke, but I've come to love it. I get such a big smile on my face to watch the team file into or quarters for the night with soot all over their faces and singed hair on their face and head, our greens and yellows (our protective Nomex wear) covered in dirt and ash and our boots muddy and wet from the dirt and snow. Dinner conversation involves all of the silly comments made during the day and funny experiences. My account of the day usually involves how I got all the new cuts and bruises that cover my body. Sore and exhausted, even a 5 minute warm shower feels like heaven. After you get cleaned up it's time to go out for the night!


I'm greeted each evening at the saloon with bear hugs and kisses on the cheek. I spend my time playing pool and doing the two-step to old country songs. I am never lost for a sympathetic ear, strong shoulder, or friendly voice. I'm having the time of my life learning, working, and living in Crown King with these wonderful people. I hope every Corps Member can find a way into their community's heart and vice versa. The service we do is worthwhile, but the connection with the people is what will enrich your experience and life during AmeriCorps and after.

 This life is so good. I'm surrounded by a sense of purpose and accomplishment. If you're searching for love and meaning, I hope you can find somewhere like Crown King. It's all right here.

Lynser

The Journey of an Alternate

During CTI (Corps Training Institute) back in early November, I had the opportunity to try out for the Fire Management Team.  After an essay, interview and a physical fitness test I was told that, while I didn’t make the team, I was an Alternate for the team. 

I joined Sun 7 as we departed Denver to work with Houston Parks and Recreation down in Texas.  We grew together as a team, learning how to live and work side by side.  Part of me forgot, but in the back of my mind my biggest fear was leaving the team that I had learned to love and joining a group of nine individuals that I barely knew. 

As the round ended and the second round of projects began, I parted ways with my team to join Fire 2 (Fire Units Fire Management Team) to take and complete the S-130, S-190 and L-180 classes (Intro to Fire Behavior, Intro to Wildland Fire Fighting, and Human Factors on the Fireline).  It was there that I fell in love with Wildland Fire Fighting and began looking into it as a possible career. 

As I returned to my team and began doing Tax Preparation work with the Community Action Project of Tulsa, Inc, I knew that at some point in the year I would be called up.  I never expected to be called two weeks later. 

Things happened so quickly that I felt blind-sided by the call.  Although I was angry and upset about how things happened, I knew that I had given my word that, if called up, I would be willing to step up to the challenge.  And so I packed my bags, then got hit by a snow storm. 

After being delayed for a number of days, my team dropped me off at the airport with a mixture of emotions, from sorrowful to encouraging.  I boarded the plane and made my way out to Arizona and eventually up to the mountain town of Crown King. 

Though I have only been here for a week and a half, I already feel like part of this team, this family.  Yes, there have been rough spots and I have had some difficulties adjusting to a new team, place and project, but I know this is where I belong.  I draw strength from the experiences that have brought me to this moment, all the love and support that my team (Sun 7) has poured out and the knowledge that things happen for a reason. 

I look forward to the experiences that being a part of this team will bring. 

God Bless and PEACE

STKerr

Weeks 2 and 3 in Crown King, AZ

                Out here in the western ghost town of Crown King, our team has begun to settle down and become comfortable with our new home.  Getting to know the locals and becoming accustomed to our duties at the Fire Station have become routine.  During week two, out team was split into four different squads.  These squads work together week in and week out with fuels reduction, work around the station, and going out on calls.  The first training our squads received was basic fuels reduction.  The Crown King Fire Department receives grants to reduce wildfire fuels on private properties.  Reducing of fuels includes cutting down brush, dead trees, and trees that have been taken over by invasive species that would fuel a wildfire.  Once these are all cut, they are eliminated by small burn piles that are set up while working in the forest.  Now see Crown King is very hilly, so most of these burn piles are built on slanted terrain.  It’s pretty dang cool cutting down trees and working hard with a fire burning behind your back. 

 

Beyond working in the field, Sun 3 became certified by the American Red Cross for First Responder.  The class was provided by the CKFD and lasted 60 hours over 6 days.  Since our team all passed the class and received the certification, we will be able to go on medical calls for the fire department and be able to assist in providing care to people in need.  It’s pretty cool and defiintly a lot of responsibility and high pressure, but our team can handle it.  The curriculum included how to take a person’s vital signs, how to correctly bandage a patient, apply a splint, perform CPR and use an AED, etc. 

Week four is currently in session and acreage is beginning to rack up with fuels reduction.  Sun 3 is making a strong and powerful impact on this more than deserving town of Crown King.

Nick-