MADISON, Wis. — A first responder in Madison is using his 40s to pursue a new career.
Recruitment is a big topic of conversation for many first responders. The hope is to bring more people in to help serve communities.
One first responder in Madison is working to be part of the solution, in a non-traditional way.
Barnaby Cook has been on the job with the Madison fire department for a year. He serves as a firefighter and an EMT. He is new to the job and is 43 years old.
“I’m happy, I’m really honored to be a part of this organization,” Cook said.
Firefighting is a second career for Cook. Throughout most of his adult life, he has been a history teacher and a coach.
He said now that his kids are teenagers, he decided to go for the job he’s always dreamed of: being a firefighter.
“Family and friends, I had a lot of support and encouragement, and I’m really thankful that I did make that change,” Cook said.
Starting a career as a firefighter in your 40s isn’t very common. However, age isn’t something Cook said he is allowing to get in his way.
Many departments across the county and in Madison are in need of more first responders. Cook said it feels good to be a part of the solution to fill jobs.
“Once you see this side, if it’s for you, it’s really exciting,” Cook said. “It’s a great job and I feel really fortunate to have it.”
Cook said he can see the similarities between being a teacher and a coach to being a first responder. All involve a lot of teamwork and always striving to be better.
“I really enjoy that the crews I work with, they want us to continually improve,” Cook said.
He said this next chapter of his life is a path he is excited and proud to be on.