Bowling Green firefighters use their WKU education while battling blazes
By Rose Rementer
When you’re a little kid, dressing up and acting out scenarios involving police officers or firefighters is something very typical during play time. But, when you become a young person heading to college and are trying to figure out what career path to take in life, you don’t necessarily consider a four-year degree option to become a first responder such as a firefighter. Instead, your dream to become a first responder might lead a new high school graduate to apply directly to a fire or police department rather than attend college.
However, Craig White (’02), Evan Henderson (’00), Kyle Hampton (’08) and Marlee Boenig (’87), all members of the Bowling Green Fire Department (BGFD), took the not-so-traditional approach. All of them graduated from WKU and then went on to the fire service world in some capacity. The educational foundation they each received at WKU is something they all agree has benefitted their careers.
Cpt. Craig White (’02)
Craig White (’02) originally from Scottsville, Ky., came to the Hill and graduated in 2002 with a degree in Marketing and Agriculture. But, the tragic events on Sept. 11, 2001, changed his career course.
“When I was close to graduating, the September 11th terrorist attacks occurred,” explained White. “That led me to enlist in the Air Force. I spent my four-year tour flying on a cargo aircraft to 22 different countries. When I left the military in 2006, I applied and was hired by the Bowling Green Fire Department.”
White says it was an easy transition for him to go from the Air Force to fighting fires.
“The military is very structured and so is being a firefighter. I never truly thought about becoming a firefighter until the opportunity presented itself, and it’s been a natural fit for me,” added White.
White believes the combination of his real-life experience and the skills learned in the classroom help him every day as a firefighter. It’s something he highly encourages others to do as well.
“Get some life experience—at least a couple of years working a real job—this will help you appreciate hard work and our schedule as firefighters,” he said. “This, along with the administration skills I gained through doing research and coursework at WKU, has helped me with my career at the BGFD.”
Cpt. Evan Henderson (’00)
Evan Henderson (’00), a Franklin, Ky., native, graduated from WKU in 2000 with a degree in Exercise Science. In 2001, he started working as a Fitness Coordinator with the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Bowling Green. That is where Henderson discovered his passion for firefighting.
“I met and became friends with some of the Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters who were working out at the facility,” recalled Henderson. “I started to learn more about the job of firefighting, and I applied in 2004 and 2005. I love this career and wish I had started sooner.”
When he graduated from high school, Henderson knew he would either go to college or enlist into the military. He says his time on the Hill taught him valuable skills that aided in his promotion to Captain at the BGFD.
“College gave me a good educational base and taught me responsibility,” stated Henderson. “It also helped out with the testing process at the BGFD and helps me know how to teach classes.”
Kyle Hampton (’08)
For BGFD firefighter Kyle Hampton (’08) of Auburn, Ky., his choice to enter the fire service after college came after a few years working in his area of study. Hampton graduated from WKU in 2008 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 2010, after spending a few years working in a design engineer job, Hampton decided he needed more than what his field of work was giving him.
“I was looking for a bit more excitement,” explained Hampton. “A close friend of mine, who is now also employed at the BGFD, brought up the idea that we should check into joining the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department. I volunteered there for several years before going to the BGFD and just fell in love with the fire service.”
Hampton, like the others, wishes he had entered the fire service field sooner, but he says his time at WKU made him a well-rounded person.
“I think the technical knowledge I gained both through college and the industrial experience I received through my career as an engineer definitely helps with firefighting,” said Hampton. “There is a lot more to firefighting than just putting water on fire. Being a well-rounded person with a lot of technical knowledge and common sense will take you a long way.”
Marlee Boenig (’87)
While Marlee Boenig (’87) of Bowling Green, Ky., might not be putting out actual fires, she plays a valuable role at the BGFD, working as both the Public Information Officer and Fire Prevention Education Specialist. In these roles, she deals with the local news media for all things related to the BGFD and teaches fire safety education classes to community members of all ages.
Boenig graduated in 1987 from WKU with a degree in Secretarial Administration and was working for another department with the City of Bowling Green when she learned of an opening with the BGFD to teach people about fire safety. She was hired in 1994, and the rest is history. She says her job is very rewarding, particularly when it comes to teaching young children. Her career advice is simple.
“Don’t ever stop learning,” Boenig stated. “My degree wasn’t geared toward this particular career, but what I learned at WKU still prepared me for this job. I’d also say don’t despair if you’re not sure what career path to take. Just get out there, find what you’re passionate about and go for it.”