Hometown Brandon - Summer 2015

serving our community
Samantha Raner
brandon Fire Department
Why did you decide to become a fireman?
I grew up around a volunteer fire department with
my dad being a volunteer fireman as well as my mom
volunteering as support personnel and I was a junior
volunteer firefighter. But I didn't consider being a
firefighter as a career until my second year of college
when I enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician
program. I became very interested in becoming a
part of the emergency response world and, due to
my roots with volunteering as a firefighter, the
challenge it presented and being able to be a part
of such an amazing brotherhood was very appealing
to me. I found that firefighting was the next
opportunity God was presenting to me and I went
after it whole-heartedly. I am blessed to be a part of
this brotherhood.
How long have you been with the
Brandon fire department?
I have been with the department full-time for a year
and a half now.
What do you enjoy most about your
typical day as a fireman?
I enjoy going to work, catching up, and talking in the
mornings after the truck is checked. I also enjoy the
training we do together but, along with that, every
day, no matter how big or small, we have the ability
to make a difference in someone’s life.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced as a fireman?
You are presented with difficult scenarios many
times throughout your career as a firefighter and
some stick with you longer than others. We cope
with them as a family at the department–it helps
us move past. In my short career so far, there have
only been two significant events that stick with me.
No need for details.
Tell us about your family.
I have an amazing and extremely supportive family,
Lord knows I would be lost without them. They have
played a large part in helping me to achieve my
goals and press on towards new ones as well as
helping me develop into the person I have become
today. My fiancée is very understanding and
supportive of the job that I have chosen, and let me
say, that is not an easy task. I am extremely blessed
to have the family I do.
Share some things that you enjoy in your
spare time.
I love the outdoors and sports. I have five horses
I enjoy riding and doing competitions. I enjoy
spending time with my family and friends.
What do you consider your greatest
achievement/accomplishment and why?
My dad taught me, growing up, to set goals, achieve
them and then set new ones. He said there’s nothing
you can’t accomplish when you set your mind to it.
Among those achievements, a couple stand out
including starting as a freshman on the Mississippi
College soccer team, completing a 900 mile
trail-ride on horseback from Decatur City, Iowa to
Hermanville, Mississippi and the completion of the
Mississippi State Fire Academy.
Who is someone you admire and why?
My father. No matter what I’ve ever wanted to do,
no matter how seemingly impossible it may have
seemed at the time, my dad has always said, “Go for
it. You can do it if you set your mind to it. I’ll be right
here.” My mom has not only been an amazing
supporter but is probably one of my very best friends.
I wouldn’t trade that for anything in this world.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
I love Christmas. I love celebrating Christ’s birthday
with a season of giving, selflessness, family and
traditions.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Roads trips on the weekend for soccer tournaments
and our family Dauphin Island vacations.
What is the biggest mistake you think
young people make today?
Not listening and expecting things to be handed to
them rather than being earned.
If you could give one piece of advice to a
young person, what would it be?
Make wise choices, work hard in everything you do,
and never settle. Dream big and aim high. Be yourself
and believe in God.
What is most rewarding about your job?
Being able to make a difference on the worst day of
someone’s life and providing help to those in need.
36 • Summer 2015