Running head: CRISIS PERSONNEL PROJECT 1
Crisis Personnel Project
Autumn Snider
Liberty University
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Abstract
After conducting an interview with my younger brother, William Dalton that currently
volunteers on the Snowville Fire Department of Pulaski, VA. The following information will
discuss the many different aspects of why he enjoys firefighting, how he came across doing
something he loves, and why he has decided to pursue this as his lifelong dream.
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The following interview that was conducted consisted of five different interview
questions, and while William struggled to answer a few of the questions the interview was very
worthwhile. When first approaching William about the interview he came across a bit concerned,
but was excited to help.
When we first started the interview it was obvious that he was nervous. However, that
was probably, because he was unaware of the questions that were about to be asked. The first
question was simple, “Tell me your job/volunteer title and the responsibilities with this title, but
be specific as you possibly can.” William stated that, “I’m a senior volunteer firefighter and I
tend to operate more hands on when it comes to critical situations, for example: car wrecks and
house fires” (W. Dalton, personal communication, July 18, 2015). The next question for this
interview was “How did you become interested in volunteering in this capacity?” William stated
that “Through a friend that wanted to make a career from firefighting as well” (W. Dalton,
personal communication, July 18, 2015).
Question number 3 seemed to be a bit more difficult for him to answer, and the question
was, “Without providing specific details of individuals involved, how have you seen crises
impact the community in which you volunteer?” William then began to explain in detail without
mentioning specific people a time that he recalled the most, and that was when a tornado hit our
town. He stated, “I never thought a tornado could actually get into our surrounding area with the
way the mountains are. It was just as if everything was destroyed within a blink of an eye” (W.
Dalton, personal communication, July 18, 2015). William described how the community really
pulled together to help one another out, and how they had donations after donations he was a part
of during this time.
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The next question was a bit tricky for him because it asks, “How do you work with other
crisis responders, medical/mental health personnel in the area during a critical accident,” William
had stated at first that he has not work with any before, but then realized and stated, “this is a
daily part of my job and every time we go to a scene medical health personnel are there” (W.
Dalton, personal communication, July 18, 2015). While he made it clear that they have their
responsibilities and that he has his he also stated, “They all know we are there to help one
another and to make sure everyone is safe and remains that way even after the trauma that could
have occurred” (W. Dalton, personal communication, July 18, 2015).
The final question, “For those wishing to pursue a career in crisis response or to volunteer
their time, what tips would you give them as to the important factors for success in this field?”
After, asking this question it was delightful to see the joy in Williams’s eyes. He stated, “First I
would say to make sure that is something you truly want, because people depend on you to be
there not only for them but for their loved ones as well, and secondly to never give up. I know at
times it can be difficult but it is such a rewarding career to get into. Although, I am only
volunteering I feel as if God has this as my calling.” (W. Dalton, personal communication, July
18, 2015).
After, interviewing William I had got exactly what I wanted from this. When William was
growing up he was very disrespectful and did not seem to care about anyone but himself.
However, I know that with age for a boy that changes a lot as well, but when he joined the
volunteer fire department that all began to change. William had a new outlook on life and truly
wanted to help individuals out. His relationship with God grew and his ability to want to get
involved in the community and help others out grew as well. This interview gave me the ability
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to see exactly what had changed him throughout his time volunteering and it was a wonderful
experience.
