Firehouse Insider: At the core of the community

By Elliott Jones • July 2, 2025 1:30 am
Photo courtesy of Clallam County Fire District 3/ Whether it’s behind the wheel of a fire engine, on a mountain bike at a community event, or in a classroom teaching CPR, C-Shift leads - quietly, consistently, and with unwavering pride, according to C-Shift Battalion Chief Elliot Jones. Here, 4H Club members learn CPR.
Photo courtesy of Clallam County Fire District 3/ Whether it’s behind the wheel of a fire engine, on a mountain bike at a community event, or in a classroom teaching CPR, C-Shift leads - quietly, consistently, and with unwavering pride, according to C-Shift Battalion Chief Elliot Jones. Here, 4H Club members learn CPR.

It’s just after 8 a.m., and C-Shift is already in motion — checking rigs, prepping equipment, and reviewing the day’s training schedule, public outreach events, and deployment plans. While shift change marks the beginning of a new 48-hour cycle, for this dedicated crew, service doesn’t punch a clock. C-Shift lives out Clallam County Fire District 3’s (FD3) mission through action — embodying our commitment to “Serve. Respect. Prevent. Protect.”

As one of three shifts within FD3, C-Shift includes career firefighter/EMTs, firefighter/paramedics, and officers who don’t just respond to emergencies — they drive innovation, strengthen community ties, and uphold operational excellence behind the scenes.

If you’ve been to a local parade, community festival, or foot race recently, chances are you’ve seen our bike medic team maneuvering through the crowd, gear-packed, trained, and ready to respond. Led by firefighter/paramedic Bryant Kroh, the program represents one of the many forward-facing initiatives managed by C-Shift.

While responding to 911 calls is at the heart of what we do, C-Shift’s impact stretches well beyond the emergency scene. Through focused training, accountability, and leadership, C-Shift carries the weight of many critical programs that help keep our community safe and our department sharp.

Firefighters Ryan Hueter and Casey Sires participated in the 2025 North Olympic Discovery Marathon while firefighters Jake Stanley and Erik Payne provided EMS bike medic coverage and a little moral support.

Projects with purpose

From community health to firefighter wellness, members of C-Shift wear many hats, and each role matters.

Personal protective equipment and gear maintenance: Firefighter Tyler Campbell manages the gear that keeps firefighters safe, overseeing inventory, monitoring lifespan, and coordinating timely replacements to ensure readiness for every response.

Community Paramedic Program: Launched last fall, and led by firefighter/paramedic Mark Karjalainen, this initiative proactively engages frequent 911 users to identify underlying issues and connect residents with long-term care or social services. The result: improved outcomes and reduced emergency call volume.

Fire Academy cadre: Captain Travis Anderson, Captain Jeff Albers, and firefighter/paramedic Chris Darling have trained and mentored the last three recruit classes, helping shape FD3’s future one academy at a time. Their work continues this August as five new firefighters begin their careers.

EMS precepting and evaluation: Captain Neil Borggard leads a cadre of EMS preceptors — firefighter/paramedics John Riley, Paul Lang, and Joel Bower, who train and certify EMS providers throughout Western Washington. Their influence also extends into the Community CPR Program, which provides life-saving training for large and small groups like the 4-H Clubs, Public Utility District employees and citizens.

Peer Support Program: Recognizing the emotional toll of the job, firefighter/paramedic Payne plays a key role in FD3’s peer support initiative, offering vital resources to those navigating personal and professional challenges.

Union leadership: As president of Local 2933, firefighter Bo Pinnell represents all union members across all ranks. His ‘round-the-clock commitment reflects his dedication to FD3.

Tool and equipment logistics: From specialized rescue gear to hose appliances, firefighter Colton McGuffey ensures every crew has the tools necessary for structure fires, technical rescues, and everything in between.

Versatile support: Firefighter Ryan Hueter brings critical flexibility to C-Shift. From hose testing and setting the pace during most physical fitness tests, he fills gaps and supports the team wherever needed.

Acting officers: fighter/paramedics Jeremy Church, Darling and Kroh bring experience from their former departments and serve as officers when required.

A culture of excellence

C-Shift isn’t flashy, but when it comes to the mission, we are relentless. Over the past two years, as battalion chief for C-Shift and the EMS division, I’ve had the privilege of working with one of the grittiest and most dedicated crews in my 25-plus years in the fire service.

My career has taken me from Spokane County Fire District 8 to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and now to FD3. Across those organizations, one thing is clear: culture matters. On C-Shift, the culture is grounded in humility, professionalism, and the belief that leadership exists at every level.

We don’t just go through the motions — we challenge each other. We critique, we coach, and we grow. Respect for the chain of command runs deep, as does accountability. Post-incident reviews aren’t formalities; they’re opportunities to learn and improve. Training isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about preparing — mentally and physically — for the toughest moments this profession demands.