Senior Logan Arthur is working toward a career goal of becoming a firefighter and has been doing all he can to get a head start as a cadet firefighter and is taking courses at Paoli in his Fire Science Pathway.
“Growing up, I always thought firefighters were cool. When I was around 15, I started to take the Fire Safety classes with Dutch (Parks), which definitely became my deciding factor,” said Arthur.
The Fire Science classes offered at PHS are one step toward becoming a firefighter. The courses are dual credit, meaning they offer both college and high school credits. Jason “Dutch” Parks teaches the fire safety classes. As a senior, Arthur has taken all of Dutch’s classes during his previous years at PHS.
“One of my role models would have to be Dutch Parks, a previous fire chief here in Paoli, because he was a great chief and has plenty of experience, knowledge, and stories to share,” said Arthur.
Parks says Arthur was always a good student in his classes.
“He is a good student who is always eager to learn, and he has a good work ethic,” said Parks.
Everyone has their reasons behind every choice they make, including Arthur.
“I chose to be a firefighter to help others when I can, which is a pretty basic reason, but it is still one to take pride in,” said Arthur.
Arthur is currently a cadet, which is the position all new members start in. For over a year, he has been working with the Rural District 1 Fire Department in French Lick training and learning from the other firefighters in his department.
“I have been enjoying my time there. At first, I started with a lot of training, but now I can help with the same calls that the firefighters at the station do,” said Arthur.
Now, as a cadet and on track to become a career firefighter, Arthur says it is essential that we have firefighters who are ready at any hour, in any conditions. This means that firefighters need skills like problem-solving, communication, and the ability to adapt to keep everyone they can safe and to save those who need it.
“After high school, I will get the necessary certifications and become a career firefighter in a larger city around here,” said Arthur.
This will allow Arthur to take his next step in life and become a firefighter, saving many people.