MCT-2024-08-01

Marion County’s Finest 2024— 5 Joshua Chance Is Named Finest Firefighter J oshua Chance’s journey as a community leader began in November 2001 when, at just ten years old, he noticed smoke billowing from a house on his street. Alerting neighbors across the street, who promptly called the fire department, Joshua wit- nessed the firefighters’ arrival and their handling of the emergency. His quick thinking and community- minded actions earned him a letter of commenda- tion and a key to the city from South Pittsburg a month later. Inspired by this early experience, Joshua fol- lowed in his father’s footsteps and joined the fire service in 2006, after his father had started working as an engineer with the city fire department in 2005. Joshua’s dedication quickly became apparent. In December 2008, he received his first Firefighter of the Year award from the city, a recognition that was followed by his graduation from the Hamilton County Emergency Services Academy in May 2010, where he earned his Firefighter I certification. That December, he was honored as the city’s Most Im- proved Firefighter. His accolades continued with the VFW Post Firefighter of the Year award in 2011. Joshua’s career has been deeply intertwined with his father’s legacy. His father, who advanced through the ranks to become Deputy Chief, passed away in 2021. Throughout his career, Joshua served under his father, honoring their shared commit- ment to protecting the community. He currently finds fulfillment in hands-on, on- scene work. His upbringing in the fire service, shaped by exemplary mentors who were like sec- ond fathers to him, instilled essential traits for future leadership. Despite the recognition he has received, Joshua values being part of a cohesive team, where success is a collective achievement and mutual support is paramount. Joshua attributes much of his success to the mentorship he received from his chiefs and cap- tains. The guidance and support from these lead- ers have been crucial in his development, and he credits them with helping him reach his current position. The sense of pride instilled by his men- tors remains a core value for him, influencing his approach to his work and self-respect. One mentor who particularly stands out is Deputy Chief Joe Rollins, known for his meticu- lous care in maintaining fire apparatuses. Chief Rollins’s commitment to excellence, demonstrated by late-night polishing sessions, taught Joshua and his peers the importance of pride in their work. This lesson extended beyond equipment maintenance to their overall approach to service, training, and self-discipline. In recognizing the broader impact of his work, Joshua highlights the crucial role of community support. He acknowledges that the greatest reward for firefighters is knowing that their community feels safe. The dedication of firefighters to pre- pare for emergencies—despite hoping those situ- ations never arise—reflects their commitment to readiness and service. Joshua emphasizes that all firefighters deserve recognition for their tireless efforts and dedication. Their continuous prepara- tion and unwavering commitment to serving the community exemplify the true spirit of the fire service. Brooke and Joshua Chance Deputry Chief Stanley Chance