KVFD Spotlight: Christophe Marchand on Turning a Lifelong Interest Into Service

For years, Christophe would sit at the traffic light at Plyers Mill Road and Connecticut Avenue, look toward KVFD’s Station 5, and tell his wife and three sons that one day, he would drive Ambulance 705.

Between building a career in scientific research, raising three boys, and volunteering in emergency services, it took time for that day to come. Three years ago, Christophe finally walked through the doors of Station 5 and joined KVFD. Since then, he has become an EMT, fulfilled his goal of driving Ambulance 705, and taken on an entirely new challenge: becoming a firefighter in his late 50s.

A Long Road to Station 5

Christophe’s interest in emergency response began long before he joined KVFD.

“I always wanted to become a first responder, but I never stepped through the doors of a police station or a firehouse while I was in France,” Christophe said.

Instead, his passion for biology led him to earn a PhD in molecular pharmacology in Paris and eventually join the National Institutes of Health as a postdoctoral fellow. After moving to Kensington in 2008, however, KVFD became a familiar sight.

“I was always looking at Station 05 while waiting at the traffic light at the intersection of Plyers Mill and Connecticut Ave, and I kept telling my wife and my three boys that one day I would be driving Ambulance 705.”

His first step into emergency response came through Montgomery County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He later joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) with his three sons, where the family became heavily involved in search and rescue. Christophe eventually became the Director of Emergency Services for the Maryland Wing and began teaching first aid.

That experience finally pushed him to pursue the goal that had been in the back of his mind for years.

“I realized that it was time for me to become an EMT and push this training qualification further,” he said. “This is what motivated me to step through the door of Station 5 and join KVFD three years ago.”

From the Ambulance to Firefighting

After completing his EMT training, gaining experience on the ambulance, and completing the required driver training, Christophe became a certified ambulance driver and fulfilled the longtime dream he had talked about with his family for years.

“I became an ambulance driver and fulfilled a dream that had been discussed so many times at the traffic light,” he said.

Soon, firefighting sparked his interest, too.

“I knew it would be physically demanding and a long commitment, but I thought it was worth the investment of time and effort,” Christophe said. “Today I am so glad I made this decision. There is so much to learn about firefighting, and it is an incredibly interesting subject that is always evolving.”

Learning, Training and Growing

One of Christophe’s biggest adjustments was becoming a student again.

“There is something certain about the fire service: you never stop training, with class after class and certification after certification,” he said.

Training also reinforced the importance of attention to detail, something Christophe admits doesn’t always come naturally to him.

“I am a big-picture guy, so details are not always at the center of my focus,” he said. “In the fire service, not paying attention to details can get you injured or killed.”

Becoming a firefighter in his late 50s has also motivated him to focus more on his physical health. The demands of working in bunker gear, carrying an SCBA and operating tools made regular fitness training a necessity.

“Joining the fire service has led me to adopt a much healthier lifestyle than before,” he said.

Finding Purpose at KVFD

For Christophe, there is something special about serving with a department that has been part of Kensington for more than 100 years.

“The members are very conscious of this heritage and realize that the KVFD reputation needs to be maintained,” Christophe said. “Many people look to KVFD as a beacon of excellence.”

But it’s the people who define the culture for him.

“KVFD members are from all backgrounds and ways of life,” he said. “This is a very interesting melting pot with a strong family vibe.”

Serving alongside those members has also given Christophe a new perspective on just how much the community depends on its first responders.

“Some people live alone, without friends or family to call on in an emergency,” he said. “We are the missing link in their lives, providing help when they need it most.”

That responsibility continues to motivate him every time he reports for a shift.

“In this period of general instability, I believe it’s important to have a sense of purpose, and volunteering at KVFD fulfills this goal.”

Outside of KVFD, Christophe continues volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol and especially enjoys responding to missions when his sons are home and they can reunite their family search-and-rescue team. He and his wife also enjoy taking road trips across the country and discovering new places.

Thinking About Volunteering? Come Ready to Learn.

For someone considering KVFD but wondering whether they have the right background, Christophe has a straightforward answer.

“Prior experience is unnecessary. You will get all the training you need and more,” he said. “You have to come with an open mind about learning and some available free time in your schedule.”

He also emphasizes that volunteering requires a real investment of time and energy, along with a willingness to learn and follow the structure and responsibilities of the fire service.

But for those willing to make that commitment, his advice is simple:

“Please go for it. You will enjoy the ride.”

Ready to Find Your Place at KVFD?

Christophe spent years looking at Station 5 and imagining himself as part of the team before he finally walked through the doors. Today, he’s an EMT, ambulance driver and firefighter serving the community he and his family call home.

His experience is a reminder that there is no single path into the fire service. KVFD provides volunteers with the training and support they need to learn new skills, challenge themselves and make a meaningful difference in their community.

And after finally pursuing the goal he had put off for years, Christophe has one more piece of advice:

“I should have joined KVFD way sooner.”

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, now may be the time to take that first step. Learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter, EMT or administrative member and apply today at kvfd.org/join.