ASFA Juneau Announces Boyd Volunteer of the Quarter

Juneau, AK - The Alaska State Firefighters Association - Juneau Chapter (ASFA - Juneau) is pleased to announce volunteer Firefighter/EMT I Pete Boyd as the Responder of the Quarter. Boyd was nominated by Captain Brent Clancy, for constant dedication to improving his firefighting skills. He doesn’t just dedicate his time for his own benefit either, says Clancy.

Pete Boyd, pictured here, is Juneau ASFA’s Volunteer of the Quarter

“He has also taken the time to help with the current Firefighter 1 Class and has almost 100% Fire Drill attendance,” says Clancy, who also serves as Boyd’s mentor in the CCF/R Volunteer program.

After years spent white water kayaking and rock or ice climbing recreationally, Boyd says he wanted to get more involved with the rescue community. A former coworker was involved with CCF/R and suggested Boyd join the volunteer corps. Boyd says he initially wanted to expand his emergency medical training after being involved in a few search and rescue calls. Already holding a Wilderness First Responder certification, Boyd decided to jump in feet first by simultaneously enrolling in CCF/R’s EMT I course and Firefighter I academy.

One of many packrafting excursions Boyd has been on.

“I wanted to give back to the community and try to help out in any way I can,” said Boyd. “Seeing the dedication and professionalism of the career staff and volunteers has always been impressive.” 

In addition to his volunteer time, Boyd maintains a full time job as a weather forecaster here in Juneau. 

“Even though he may not always get that right,” jokes Clancy, “I think, he is leading by example in what it means to provide selfless service to his community.”

Boyd is also an active member of CCF/R’s Special Teams group and enjoys the unique rope and water rescue training they go through. 

“We get to play in rapids, drive fast boats, jump into frozen lakes, hang from steep cliffs, and rig complex lifting and lowering mechanisms with only rope, carabiners and pulleys,” says Boyd. “All of this is lots of fun, which helps prepare for the reality of bushwhacking through devil's club in the dark, pouring rain to help a tourist who lost their way.”

Boyd’s expertise in rope rescue techniques is invaluable to the considerable amount of training for Special Teams, Clancy says. So it’s no surprise that Boyd also serves as a volunteer with Juneau Mountain Rescue.

Juneau Mountain Rescue, a non-profit volunteer search and rescue team, partners with CCF/R as well as other state and local agencies to perform humanitarian search, rescue, and recovery operations in all climatic conditions.

“Regardless of what organization it is, Pete is always thinking of ways to improve and implement,” says Peter Flynn, Engineer with CCF/R and fellow member of JMR. “Whether it be through changing a litter set up, leading extra training, or creating tools to better standardize and share techniques, Pete is on it.”

Alex Burkhart, left, and Pete Boyd, right, at one of many rope rescue trainings.

“We may be in different boats but we're all in the same storm and need to look out for each other,” says Boyd. “The hours of training and service volunteers put in while leading full time lives with work and family can't be understated.”

The Responder of the Quarter program, an ASFA initiative, endeavors to call out and honor association members of distinction. These members display sound leadership principles, participate in community and volunteer events, and respond to calls.

ASFA - Juneau currently represents a diverse membership of more than 50 firefighter and emergency medical services (EMS) first responders. The association’s purpose is to serve and support Juneau firefighters through professionalism and leadership by providing additional training opportunities, advocating needs, and fostering camaraderie throughout the fire service and the Juneau community.