On March 14, 2025, Rylan Hackworth, Owner and Editor-in-Chief, visited the Highland County North Joint Fire and Ambulance District to interview Assistant Chief Timothy Thuering and Assistant EMS Chief Erica Hurless-Miller. This interview highlights the vital role they play in our community.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourselves?
Assistant Chief Thuering has been with the department full-time for eighteen years, soon to be nineteen. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and hunting. Assistant EMS Chief Hurless-Miller has been with the department for twenty-four years, with twenty-three of those years being full-time. She has three daughters and a husband who is both a volunteer at HCNJF&AD and a full-time member of the Paint Creek Fire Department. She loves what she does.
Could you describe your typical day-to-day responsibilities?
Hurless-Miller emphasized that the keyword is "house," as they take pride in maintaining the firehouse and its equipment. They heavily rely on taxpayer support, encouraging community members to vote "yes" on levies. Their responsibilities include cleaning and waxing the trucks. In between all of this, they respond to calls. Additionally, they engage in public relations, educational activities, and community outreach.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a first responder?
Hurless-Miller shared that she has always been driven by a desire to help others, whether by offering encouragement or emotional support. She realized there are many facets to the profession beyond firefighting, performing CPR, or splinting broken limbs. Thuering chose this career to give back to the community, finding the work rewarding beyond its monetary aspects—a quality not many jobs offer.
What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling?
Thuering said the most fulfilling part of his role is being able to help others and make a difference. Hurless-Miller echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the impact they make through their service and actions.
What notable accomplishments have you achieved in your career?
Both highlighted the length of their service. Many individuals come and go in this profession, but they have remained committed. As officers, they are passionate about their roles and aim to reflect that passion onto others. They noted the emotional toll this job takes, which makes longevity in the field particularly challenging.
What does the role of a first responder mean to you personally?
Thuering shared that being a first responder involves significant sacrifice, such as giving up personal time to help others. Hurless-Miller described the job as a privilege, emphasizing the importance of serving and helping people during challenging moments.
Can you share an experience of a particularly challenging situation you’ve encountered on the job?
Both agreed that situations involving children are especially difficult, as they are parents themselves. Seeing a sick or injured child is particularly hard, though this does not diminish the weight of other tragic situations. Every loss is significant.
What personal attributes do you believe are essential for someone in your position?
Essential traits include responsibility, trust, integrity, morals, sympathy, and empathy. First responders are not always there to understand every situation but to provide care and support. Dedication and time are also critical.
What impact do you aim to have on the community through your service?
Hurless-Miller hopes to leave a positive impact by making the community safer. This includes offering fire safety programs, distributing smoke detectors, and being proactive rather than reactive.
Are there any common misconceptions about first responders that you would like to address?
The word "hero" is often associated with the profession, but it doesn’t fully encompass their day-to-day work. First responders don’t always pull people from burning buildings or perform dramatic rescues.
How do you ensure you remain prepared and trained for emergencies?
They participate in monthly station trainings, which include recreating scenarios. Online training, staying updated with current trends, county-wide sessions, and expert opinions are also part of their routine. Both fire and medical fields require numerous certifications. They also take pride in their grain bin rescue team, which undergoes specialized training.
What advice would you offer to individuals considering a career as a first responder?
Visit your local fire station, ask questions, and get an application. Some departments even cover training costs in exchange for a contract.
How do you maintain a balance between your professional duties and personal life?
It’s challenging, as they often have to leave events, holidays, or dinners. Volunteers are never truly off the clock, requiring significant understanding from their families.
Can you discuss any instances of teamwork and camaraderie within your department?
The entire job revolves around teamwork. Every task and situation involves collaboration; it’s never just one person.
What do you find most rewarding about your profession?
Serving the public, helping people, and making a difference are the most rewarding aspects of their profession.
The dedication and passion of Assistant Chief Timothy Thuering and Assistant EMS Chief Erica Hurless-Miller exemplify the very best of what it means to be a first responder. Their unwavering commitment to the community, coupled with their ability to navigate the challenges of this demanding profession, highlights the vital role they play in making Highland County a safer and better place for all. They truly embody the spirit of service and inspire others through their work every day.
Click on the audio below to listen to the full interview!