Each month, Eagle Radio in Great Bend will recognize groups or individuals that make a big impact on our community. This Appreciation Month is highlighting the Great Bend Fire Department.
By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Jordan Elliott and his wife are expecting the birth of their child in
November. It is safe to say that Elliott spends a lot of his time making sure everything
is ready for the new arrival to his family. When the future infant is not his
sole focus, Elliott is working to adjust to his role with the Great Bend Fire
Department that he started in October 2020.
“These last seven months have been spent a lot on focusing on the new job,”
said Elliott. “I want to make sure I’m up to snuff on where I need to be.”
Not only is working at the Great Bend Fire Department a new job for Elliott, it
is also a new profession after spending the previous seven years in the
computer networking industry.
“I initially pursued graphic design in college, but quickly realized I liked the
computer side more,” said Elliott. “I ended up getting a degree in computer networking
from Fort Hays State University.”
Elliott started working for a company based in Sterling called Gilmore Solutions.
The Great Bend native started handling IT support and worked his way into
installing networks for businesses.
“I always liked the idea of being a firefighter,” said Elliott. “It was always
in the back of my head. “Living in Ellinwood, I finally volunteered with the
Ellinwood Fire Department in February 2020.”
Elliott then obtained his EMT certification and was hired as a full-time
firefighter in Great Bend.
“I liked doing the fire/EMS work a lot more than what I was doing the previous
seven years in IT,” Elliott said. “I jumped right in. I’m glad I did because I
love it. I have no regrets at all.”
Elliott acknowledged that his technology background is slightly different than
most of the guys on the fire department staff.
“I’m kind of the nerd that worked on computers,” joked Elliott. “I took a lot
of crap and still do because of my unique skillset.”
Not only did Elliott learn a lot from his volunteer stint in Ellinwood, but he
also mentioned their staff was supportive of him making the transition to a
full-time position.
“I loved what I was doing in Ellinwood, but wanted to do more,” said Elliott. “Great
Bend is a bigger city and stays busier. It’s been awesome.”
Elliott referred to his first month on the job and the six-month probation
period for new hires as boot camp. It gave him time to prove to the rest of the
staff that he was going to be up to the challenge.
One of the biggest concerns Elliott had regarding the position with the fire
department was the 24-hour shifts. The department is set up to where staff work
three, 24-hour shifts within five days and then have four straight days off.
“I worried about being away from wife that long and now finding out that we’re
having a baby in November,” said Elliott. “I didn’t know how that was going to
impact things but it has been awesome. I don’t know if I could go back to a
normal 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. job.”
By spending so much time with his colleagues during the 24-hour shifts, Elliott
noted working at the fire department is like having a second family.
“Whenever you are doing something like this and are in crazy situations with a
group of guys, you naturally develop a bond,” said Elliott.
One of the first pieces of advice his colleagues told him when he started with the
fire department was to talk about things.
“If something bothers you, talk about it,” said Elliott. “No one is going to
make fun of you. Everyone has dealt with those things. Talk about it.”
Read the previous Appreciation Month stories by clicking HERE.