At 34 years old, Cameron Clouser serves as a captain at Paint Creek Fire EMS, but his story reaches far beyond the title. It’s a journey shaped by community, discipline, and a steady commitment to helping others — one call at a time.

Raised in Greenfield, Ohio, Clouser grew up in a town where everyone knew everyone. That sense of closeness shaped his values early. His father, a defining figure in his life, founded the Greenfield Pee-wee League and modeled what it meant to be dedicated. His mother and grandmother were also central influences, and Greenfield itself — with its tight-knit spirit — helped instill the importance of showing up for others.

Clouser graduated from McClain High School and briefly attended Ohio University for pre-med. But after a year, he realized college wasn’t the right fit. What was right — and had always felt right — was helping people. That instinct led him to the fire service, where he’s now spent 13 years responding to emergencies, mentoring younger firefighters, and building a reputation rooted in calm leadership.

Before joining Paint Creek, Clouser worked in retail. He found success there and genuinely enjoyed the work. He didn’t dread going in each day. He thrived on the rhythm, the teamwork, and the brotherhood that reminded him of the firehouse. That experience taught him something essential: passion matters. If you care about what you do, people feel it.

In the fire service, Clouser learned that respect isn’t something you can command — it’s something you earn. He leads by example, never asking others to do something he wouldn’t do himself. He’s never had issues with his crew, and he attributes that to consistency and discipline. “If you’re calm, it’ll calm them,” he says. That mindset has carried him through countless calls, from structure fires to medical emergencies, where composure can mean the difference between panic and resolution.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges. Clouser saw a shift toward online trainings, but he emphasizes that learning never stops. Constant training, new studies, and better methods are always emerging. He stays current because the job demands it — and because lives depend on it.

He also believes in helping people understand that it’s okay to talk, that being human is okay. That message, simple but powerful, is one he carries into every interaction.

When asked what advice he’d give to someone starting out, Clouser doesn’t offer a direct quote — but his message is clear. The fire service demands discipline. It throws a lot at you. But if you stay grounded, stay focused, and keep showing up, you’ll find your place. That’s what he’s lived. That’s what he teaches.

In a profession built on grit and grace, Cameron Clouser’s journey is a reminder that leadership isn’t loud. It’s steady. It’s earned. And it’s rooted in a lifelong commitment to helping others — one call at a time.