Kalispell firefighter earns award

Josiah Mooney, who was just named Firefighter of the Year by the Kalispell Lions Club, said the main reward of his job is being able to give back to the community.

“It’s a nice pat on the back that all the work I put in got noticed … but that’s not why you do it,” Mooney said. “I work with a great group of guys, any of which are just as deserving.”

The award was announced on Feb. 21. Although the Kalispell Lions Club bestows the title, it’s Kalispell firefighters who actually choose from among themselves who will be named Firefighter of the Year.

Mooney said he was shocked they chose him.

According to Mooney, his desire to become a firefighter came 10 years ago. It was sparked, he said, by a deep respect he had for a friend who was a firefighter.

Mooney saw it as his chance to give back to the community through a job that constantly challenges him, both mentally and physically.

“You never know when the alarm will go off,” Mooney said. “You know your role before you get to the fire, so you get in gear and just do it.”

Though he admitted his job could be stressful at times, Mooney said he tries to keep a positive attitude and a strong work ethic while learning from the team around him.

“Anytime the tones go off, your heart starts to beat a little quicker,” Mooney said. “The adrenaline definitely kicks in.”

When that happens, Mooney said, he reminds himself of the drills he has run and the training he has received.

ACCORDING TO Kalispell Fire Chief Dave Dedman, Mooney is regarded as a good leader, a hard worker and is highly respected by his peers.

“He’s calm, cool, collected and polite,” Dedman said.

Mooney attended the University of Montana from 2008-2010, during which time he began his work as a resident firefighter with the Missoula Rural Fire District.

Upon completion of his associate degree in fire science, Mooney got a job with the Kalispell Fire Department and has been with them for more than six years now.

Mooney said his wife, Amber, and two children, Caleb, 2, and Emma, 8, stay on his mind at work.

“You see people in unfortunate situations all the time,” Mooney said, “and it makes me appreciate my time with my family that much more. I try not to take that time for granted.”

Amber, however, says she tries not to think about the danger that comes with his job, according to Mooney.

The job comes with its ups and downs, according to Mooney. He remembered one call from around six months into his career.

An infant was asphyxiating and he responded to the CPR in progress. With the emergency medical training he had received, Mooney and his team were able to revive the child, who is alive and well today.

Mooney remembered as well a similar instance with a 9-month-old baby when resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the child died.

“It’s the good and bad of the job,” Mooney said. “The times when we can’t bring them back just makes you appreciate the times when you can.”

Mooney’s work with children was a contributing factor to his nomination for firefighter of the year.

Every year, Mooney helps organize the Kalispell Fire Department’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament to raise funds for Operation Warm Coats for Kids, which provides winter coats to children in need in the community.

Mooney works with the department to partner with different schools each year to help identify and provide for kids in need of warm clothes.

Mike Collins of the Kalispell Lions Club said the group has been giving out the award for about six years.

Collins said that while the club leaves it up to firefighters to decide who receives it, the Lions Club looks for nominees who volunteer in the community.

“It’s just a way for us to recognize some of our public servants,” Collins said.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.