Behind the Badge: Tommy Griffin, Newton Fire Department

Published 8:30 am Monday, September 18, 2017

Whitney Downard / The Meridian StarTommy Griffin, a Newton Fire Department firefighter, enjoys being outdoors whether it's fishing, kayaking or hunting.

Name: Tommy Griffin.

Age: 21.

Job Title/Department: Firefighter/ EMT, Newton Fire Department.

Years as a firefighter? Four years in February.

Why did you choose to become a firefighter?

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I came up here to the fire station because I had friends here. I got involved and I was really attracted to the camaraderie. I made some friends and decided it was something I wanted to be a part of. 

If you ever considered joining a fire department, it’s a great thing to be a part of. When you join, you get countless brothers and sisters. You don’t have to be physically fit to volunteer; you can bring something to the table. 

Do you have any family members in the field?

No.

What has been your most gratifying experience as a firefighter?

That’s a hard question, there’s so many gratifying moments. I met back up with some of the family after I had the honor of saving a life and had a thank you from them. That’s stuck with me more than anything.

Would you encourage one of your children to pursue a career as a firefighter?

I don’t have any children but I’d want my children to be involved with helping people and have that interest. I guess no one really wants to think about their kids on a firetruck but someone has got to be on that firetruck.

What would you have done if you had not become a firefighter?

Electrician, because that’s what I went to school for. I wasn’t interested in school but everybody said I should go and I didn’t like it. This is something different every day. You could come into the station for the day and be at a house fire in five minutes. 

When not working, what are your interests?

Spending time with my wife. I like being outdoors: fishing, kayaking and deer hunting. I caught a catfish once that was 43 pounds. I like doing those things because it’s time with friends and family. 

Tell us something about you people would be surprised to learn?

My wife and I started dating when she was in the 10th grade – four years ago –  and we just got married Aug. 5. 

Once, while hunting, we spotted two deer in field. We counted to three and both shot at the same time and we got two deer. (Laughing) That’s probably my favorite thing I’ve ever done.