Five-year-old Coulton Wascher of Carthage wanted to be a volunteer firefighter when he grew up, just like his dad, but 18-year-old Coulton knew he needed a skill and a paycheck, so he enrolled in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology (DPST) program at SRC. During his second semester, he trained for and became a volunteer firefighter for his hometown, and a year later, also started serving as a volunteer for the LaHarpe Fire Department.
In 2015, he graduated with his Associate in Applied Science/DPST degree and went to work for AC McCartney as a diesel mechanic. Now, nine years later, Coulton is taking his passion to the next level, and is currently completing the required 7-week program at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) in Champaign in preparation to join the Macomb Fire Department. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
Despite experience as a volunteer firefighter and familiarity with IFSI training, he realizes that being a career firefighter is a whole new level and that he has much to learn. He’s also feeling the effects from the physical workout. “I thought I was in pretty decent shape, but I’m finding out how much I can push my body with this training.” Just the required gear—helmet, gloves, hoods, boots, coats, and pants—weighs on average approximately 60 pounds.
Coulton won’t know his exact role(s) in the department until he starts, but each role supports the individual with the hose. “What can look like chaos at a fire scene is in reality each firefighter performing their specific job with one goal in mind—to get the nozzle to the fire.”
Although he’s changing careers, the knowledge he gained in the DPST program is still relevant. “Todd, Aaron, and Joe provided a learning foundation by letting us stumble, and forcing us to think critically in order to find the solutions. They built us to be teachers, and that program made me who I am.”
In fact, Coulton, along with his fellow DPST classmate and friend, Kody Horn—who serves as the Carthage FD Chief—have become certified training instructors for other volunteer firefighters. “Both mechanics and firefighters are problem solvers, whether the problem is repairing a tractor or putting out a fire.”
In 2018, Coulton had the unique experience of being a background extra for season seven of the television series Chicago Fire, where outside shots are filmed on the Chicago streets and at a real working firehouse, Chicago FD Engine 18. “I came away with a new respect for how television shows are made, and how much work it is.”
“At times I felt like a star. People watching the filming wanted pictures with us, and one kid gave me a hug. It was such a cool experience.” For those who may be wondering, extras get paid $185 per day, are responsible for travel and hotel expenses, and the studio provides food on the set.
While extras don’t normally mingle with the actors, Coulton was already familiar with a few of them, including David Eigenberg, (Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann), and Miranda Rae Mayo (Lieutenant Stella Kidd). “I have been at the IFSI Fire College (a 4-day class for those wanting to improve their skills) on occasions when they were there training for their roles, and they remembered me. They are amazing people to be around.”
Coulton is a good example of following one’s passion however one can. It took three years after applying to MFD before he was high enough on the list to secure an open spot, and he had to apply more than once to be an extra on Chicago Fire. Sometimes, if you don’t give up, you get even more than you dreamed for.
Coulton and wife Lauren currently reside in LaHarpe with their two-year old daughter, Emberly, and their dog, Lily.
