KVFD Spotlight: James Bennett’s Journey to Engine Driver
This month, we are proud to feature James Bennett, a committed volunteer firefighter and engine driver at the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD). James began his volunteer journey later in life while balancing a full-time career—a powerful reminder that you don’t need to be at the start of your career to make a meaningful impact. From becoming a skilled engine driver to recently earning the honor of Life Membership, James showcases the dedication, hard work, and passion for service that make KVFD special.
Becoming a KVFD Engine Driver
I was looking for a way to learn something new while giving back to my community, and firefighting quickly stood out. I chose KVFD because it was the closest station to my home, and I’m so grateful for that decision. I knew very little about the fire service when I first started, but the volunteers at Station 5 were incredibly patient and always took the time to help me learn. I’m very proud to have worked my way through a lot of demanding courses to become an engine driver. It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey.
Balancing Work, Family, and Volunteering
All KVFD volunteers are balancing jobs, families, and other responsibilities, and I’m no exception. Outside of my volunteer work, I’m a full-time analyst at a small agency. Balancing my career with volunteering at KVFD wouldn’t be possible without the support of my family and a flexible work schedule. While the station is a big part of my life, family always comes first when needed. When our kids were younger, balancing everything was trickier, but now that they’ve grown up it’s easier to manage. My wife supports my volunteering because she sees how much I enjoy it and the personal growth it’s brought me. She also says that she enjoys how I look in fire pants, so that’s a bonus!
The Responsibility of Being a Volunteer Fire Engine Driver at KVFD
Driving the fire engine is just as cool as you think, but is also very demanding. After basic driver training at the training academy, KVFD requires additional supervised road time before new drivers are evaluated in real emergency situations. While no training scenario can fully prepare you for the unpredictability of an emergency, experience quickly teaches you how to handle the unexpected.
As an engine driver (“E1”), my main responsibility is getting the crew and equipment safely to the scene. That means driving as smoothly as possible, avoiding sharp turns or sudden braking so the crew remains safe and secure. You have to be especially careful when navigating through traffic and intersections where other drivers might not yield to emergency vehicles. Inside the cab, I manage the air horn, siren, throttle, and brakes—all while staying in constant communication with my crew through our headsets.
Once we arrive at the scene, nobody is busier than an engine driver. We are responsible for securing a “water supply,” which means finding a hydrant and connecting it to our pump so the crew has enough water to fight the fire. The engine carries 750 gallons, but it goes fast because our smallest nozzle uses 160 gallons per minute. That means speed, efficiency, and the ability to stay calm and overcome obstacles is essential.
KVFD is the only station in the county fully staffed by volunteers during nights and weekends, offering a unique opportunity for volunteers to step into any role they’re willing to train for. At other stations, career firefighters often take the lead positions, but here it’s all up to us after 5 p.m. on weeknights and throughout the weekend. While we have a strong partnership with the career firefighters who serve during the day, evenings and weekends are entirely our responsibility — giving volunteers both the freedom to advance and the duty to be ready when the call comes in.
Mentoring the Next Generation
I’m proud to say that I’ve recently earned ‘Life Membership’ at Station 5, an honor reserved for volunteers who dedicate at least 10 years of service to KVFD. It’s humbling to reach this milestone, and one of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the people I’ve mentored now passing on that knowledge to new recruits. When you hear your own advice coming from someone else, you know you’ve made an impact and it feels like you’re leaving a legacy. As you spend more time at the station, your role shifts from learning to teaching, but the learning never stops.
Advice for Aspiring Engine Drivers
Becoming an engine driver takes time and dedication, so my best advice is to start now! While firefighting is often seen as a young person’s game, it’s never too late to join. I was in my early 40s when I started, surrounded by volunteers half my age. Let’s just say my knees had a very different experience than theirs during the hands-on parts of training!
One of the best classes I took was an optional course hosted by the “Nozzle Forward” group. It focused on tips for handling and advancing attack lines. The force of water from the nozzle can feel like a rocket engine pushing against you, but this class teaches how to manage that energy more efficiently, conserve strength, and quickly water where it’s needed.
Whether you’re starting young or coming in later in life, KVFD offers the training and opportunities to help you grow. Take the next step and begin your journey toward becoming an engine driver today!
What Keeps James Motivated to Serve
It’s amazing to realize that even a call that seems minor to us can be life-changing for the people involved. Helping someone on their worst day is an incredible honor, and I know that there are people whose lives I’ve directly impacted. That sense of purpose is what keeps me motivated to continue serving.
Of course, there are times when my family feels the toll of my volunteer work, but they’ve always been incredibly supportive. My wife often jokes about how I’m “selfishly helping others” when I’m not around, but we’re always working on balancing it. It helps that KVFD organizes family-friendly events, like our annual banquet and summer picnic. My wife particularly loves riding in the engine during Santa flights—seeing the kids’ excitement is one of our favorite parts of the year.
Ready to Take the Driver’s Seat? Join KVFD!
James’ journey at KVFD started with a desire to learn and serve his community. Through dedication and training, he worked his way up to engine driver, taking on the critical role of getting crews and equipment safely to emergencies.
At KVFD, volunteers gain real experience, from firefighting to emergency response, with plenty of opportunities to grow. If you’re ready to take on a challenge, build valuable skills, and make a real impact, join KVFD!
Learn more about our membership benefits and how to apply at kvfd.org/join-kvfd.
