Rogers Firefighter Spotlight: Meet Greg!
Photo credit: Ben Berndt.
The Rogers Fire Department is a combination fire department with paid on-call firefighters along with full-time staff. We would like to introduce one of our paid-on call firefighters, Lieutenant Greg Nykiel.
How long have you been a member?
“It will be 9 Years in May.”
How long have you lived in Rogers?
“12 Years.”
Why did you want to join the Rogers Fire Department?
“Honestly, I’ve never really wanted to be a ‘Firefighter’, but whenever passing an emergency scene I would find myself wondering if the Firefighters/Police ‘need any help’. I decided to join the Rogers Fire Department because I thought I could be an asset to their team. I like helping people, solving problems, learning new skills, gaining life experience, and being a productive member of society. The final thing that pushed me to join the fire department was the desire to have a greater sense of community so that Rogers isn’t just part of my mailing address.”
What is one important thing you want the public to know about the department?
“Paid on-call fire departments have come a long way from the ‘good ‘ol boys’ clubs of years past. I was hesitant to join because of my preconceived notions of what a ‘Paid on-call fire department’ was all about. I’m glad to say I was wrong. We are professional firefighters providing the same level of service as a full-time department. Our customers expect a high-level of service in their time of need; which means the training, dedication, and professionalism of our paid on-call team needs to meet these expectations.”
What is something unique about yourself?
“I have a knack for improvised problem solving...some of which would make MacGyver proud!”
What is your full-time career outside of being a paid-on call firefighter?
“I am the VP of Operations for a supplier of Industrial Machinery. I help to solve problems and streamline the business to handle continued growth, while improving the overall quality experienced by our customers.”
Photo credit: Shannon Ajibesin
Photo credit: Ben Berndt
Picture of Rogers Fire Department. Photo Credit: Josh Schave.
What is one of your most memorable calls you’ve been on?
“On April 1st, 2015, we were paged out to 3 homes on fire in Otsego. One of our firefighters who lives in the neighborhood updated that it was actually 4 homes on fire...and multiple acres of wildland behind the homes. Between fighting the house fires and the DNR air planes dropping water right behind us, it was a once in a career experience.”
Can you tell us what you love about being a firefighter, and being on Rogers Fire Department?
“I love being behind the “caution tape” and working with a great team of people. We have a lot of laughs, but I know I can count on the person next to me when the tones sound and it’s time to get serious.”
While you are on a fire call, who’s waiting for you at home?
“My supportive wife and two kids (5 and 3).”
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about applying to become a firefighter?
“I strongly suggest scheduling a visit to ask any questions you have and to tour the fire station. If you still aren’t sure, I’d be happy to have a candid conversation of what “a day in the life” looks like so there are no surprises. It’s not all house fires, car accidents, and cats in trees; most calls are uneventful, winter is cold, and there are training and attendance obligations that need to be met.”