Not Just Students-Firefighters

For some high school students, balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life is a challenge. But for Durai Mahkuk and Josh Reed, firefighting is another responsibility they have willingly taken on. Both seniors have committed themselves to serving the Polson community as volunteer firefighters, demonstrating dedication and bravery beyond their years.

Mahkuk’s journey into fire fighting began with a childhood dream of becoming a smokejumper. However, it was his close friend, Casen Elmore, who ultimately encouraged him to join the local volunteer fire department. In his sophomore year, he took the leap and signed up. Since then, he has undergone rigorous training, learning the essential skills needed to combat fires and handle emergency situations. While he enjoys firefighting, Mahkuk has his sights set on a different career path—culinary arts. He plans to attend Salish Kootenai College for general studies.  Despite this, he intends to keep firefighting as a part of his life, continuing to serve his community whenever he can.

Reed’s inspiration to become a firefighter came from his father, who has served as both a military and city firefighter for nearly two decades. Reed wasted no time following in his father’s footsteps and signed up for the volunteer fire department on his 16th birthday. His prior exposure to training sessions with his father gave him a head start in the field, and he was also part of the department’s first official fire academy program. Reed remains committed to firefighting, though his ultimate career goal is to become a pilot in the U.S. Army. Having already completed the necessary medical evaluations, he officially enlisted on April 1st.

Both Mahkuk and Reed acknowledge the challenges of balancing firefighting with school, sports, and work, but they emphasize how rewarding the experience is. They encourage others to join, noting that while the job is physically and emotionally demanding, it provides an unparalleled sense of fulfillment. As these two seniors prepare for their futures, their commitment to public service leaves a lasting impact on their community.