“I wanted to be a firefighter because when I was growing up my dad was a volunteer firefighter,” states Julie Hanson, speaking of her dad, Terry Hanson, who was the inspiration behind her becoming a firefighter with the Wykoff Fire Department in Wykoff, Minn.
When his pager would go off for the Fountain Fire Department in Fountain, Minn., “He would up and leave his family anytime day or night to go and help a complete stranger in their time of need,” explains Hanson.
“I always respected my dad for doing what he did and I guess you could say I wanted to be just like him,” says Hanson. And having two brothers that are also firefighters, she says, “of course, I had to show him that I could be just ‘like the boys.’”
After graduating from Fillmore Central High School in 2009, Hanson’s plans did not necessarily include becoming a firefighter, as she began working and then started raising a family.
Her oldest daughter Kylie is nine years old, and her youngest daughter Presley is one year old. She also has 11-year-old Sawyer, who she calls her “bonus child,” as he is the son of her boyfriend Dallas.
“Honestly, I didn’t know I wanted to be a firefighter until the opportunity arose. So I took a chance, went out of my comfort zone and joined,” states Hanson.
After becoming a firefighter with the Wykoff Fire Department in March of 2016, Hanson has not looked back and has met the challenges that come with being a firefighter.
“Firefighting is definitely challenging. It’s physically, mentally and emotionally challenging,” notes Hanson. “It’s physical because you push yourself to the limit to accomplish a goal or a task, all while wearing turnout gear weighing 40-plus pounds,” she says.
“The mental and emotional challenge kind of go hand in hand. Some of the things firefighters see and witness is something that sticks in your brain, which of course can sometimes lead to a long term effect,” explains Hanson.
Hanson also attends training to keep her skills sharp so she is ready for whatever situation may arise. “We have monthly mandatory trainings within our department,” she states, adding that there are many trainings available outside the department that you can attend if you wish.
Hanson is very appreciative for all of the support she receives from friends and family, which helps her tremendously to attain her goals. “I get tons of support from my family. Both of my brothers are also firefighters with different departments and being that my dad is a retired firefighter, I guess you could say it’s a family affair!” says Hanson, adding, “My mom must constantly worry about us!”
“My biggest supporter however, is my boyfriend Dallas. He was the one who helped me push myself into doing something that I wouldn’t normally do. He will always be the first one to tell me he is proud of me, even when I don’t feel proud of myself because in my mind I could have done it better or more efficiently,” states Hanson.
“The other firefighters are very supportive as well, but they have to be. It’s a brotherhood. We are all on the same team working for the same goal,” she explains. “I must say that the entire department supports each other like a tight knit family! It’s amazing! Something I love about small town USA,” says Hanson.
Raising a family, working, being a firefighter and other commitments can be hard to juggle but Hanson manages with the help of her support system.
“Balancing life, work and the fire department can sometimes be a challenge all in itself. But luckily for me I have amazing family and friends who help me out,” which she is very grateful for. “And, I have the best boss ever that is understanding,” as she speaks of Shari Gartner, her boss at Shooter’s in Wykoff, where Hanson has worked full-time for almost seven years.
Hanson is an inspiration to not only her family and friends, but to others who see her dedication and perseverance – and most importantly, she is an inspiration to her children.
“I do feel like I am inspiring my children with what I do with the fire department. Especially my oldest daughter Kylie. It teaches them that no matter what to always put your best foot forward and help someone in need, even if it’s someone you may not know,” states Hanson.
“You could make a huge difference in that person’s life without even realizing it,” says Hanson. It is obvious that Hanson makes a huge difference in many people’s lives every day, and sets a terrific example for her children.
Leave a Reply