We’re all a little safer now.

The ranks of the Hoodland Fire Department welcomed a pair of new
firefighter/paramedics, Evan Jarvis and Andy Figini.

It’s almost like they were destined for the job. Jarvis and Figini’s fathers were
fire department volunteers for a combined 53 years – Jarvis’ dad (27 years) at
Hoodland, Figini’s (26 years) in Gladstone.

Figini, 26, was a volunteer for eight years in Gladstone before landing the
permanent position Oct. 1 with HFD.

“You could say I grew up in it (firefighting family tradition),” Figini said. “I
figured out a long time ago that I wanted this.”

He hopes to relocate on the Mountain as soon as possible.

“I will move closer because I plan on staying here,” he said, adding “I have
three horses and would like some land, my own house, build a barn.”

Jarvis, 25, grew up on the Mountain, worked ski patrol at Skibowl, attended
Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna, Alaska in the paramedic program,
volunteered at HFD Government Camp (where he lived in the fire station)
before attaining his permanent slot Dec. 1.

Jarvis noted that his career path was pretty much set out from the beginning.
“It was a natural path,” he said. “It just made sense to keep going. Heck,
Chief (Mic) Eby has known my dad longer than I’ve been alive. Besides, I like
pulling hoses and getting dirty.”

The possibility of advancing to senior firefighter, or even an officer, is part of
the future that awaits the new HFD members.

“Maybe one day,” Jarvis said.

“I’ll take it as it comes,” Figini said.

In the meantime, there are plenty of hoses to pull.