LIFE AS a firefighter requires immense bravery, but for Zachary Langford, the greatest reward is being able to say, “I helped.” The piercing fire alarm of a nearby building would jolt anyone awake. It signals chaos and uncertainty. But for Langford, that sound is a call to action — a chance to make a difference. Years ago, witnessing the courage and skill of the firefighters who responded to a blaze near his home left him with a deep admiration that would influence his career path. Today, that admiration has transformed into something far more significant than extinguishing flames.
According to Langford, life as a firefighter takes courage but is also extremely rewarding in many ways.
“My biggest reward is just getting to say, ‘I helped those people, and I made their day so much better,’” he explained. “We may go from seeing somebody that has passed on from this life to witnessing a new baby being brought into the world. There are endless things that make this job rewarding, whether it’s getting to spend time in the community, going to schools, teaching fire safety, or just getting to help an older person get up and go to the bathroom or the fridge.”
Langford’s interest in firefighting began with childhood inspiration and grew into an exhilarating career. Being neighbors with the Decherd Fire Department, Langford was captivated by the men and women rushing to the aid of the community during their most troubling moments.

“When I was 5, we moved into our new house, which is actually right across the street from the Decherd fire station where I work now,” he recalled. “Just getting to come over and visit with the guys who were on duty and see what they got to do was really what sparked me. I also have some family members who were firefighters.”
Today, Langford drives the trucks that carry his team into the heart of emergencies. He carries out his duties with determination and a keen sense of urgency. He manages the water pressure, provides vital water supplies to his team, and coordinates equipment to support their efforts. In moments of crisis, he leans on extensive training to stay composed and focused, knowing that each action holds the power to save a life. It’s all about remaining centered and applying what they’ve repeatedly practiced.
Outside of emergencies, the Decherd Fire Department seizes every opportunity to provide public education. They make regular school visits to teach fire safety and even join in on the fun with the students during activities like dodgeball. They organize events like fireworks shows and always carry stuffed animals and stickers to gift to children around the community.
“We carry stuffed animals on our fire trucks. We have stickers and little plastic fire helmets that we give out. Whether it’s a kid we’re treating on a medical call or just on a routine call, or if we see kids out in public and they wave at us, we’ll stop and give them a tour of the fire truck and give them a sticker or a stuffed animal,” Langford shared.

Full-time firefighting isn’t enough for Langford; he also volunteers on his off days. The passion and thrill of rescuing troubled community members are a flame that not even the most skilled firefighters can extinguish. For Langford, volunteering doesn’t require an incentive — just empathy.
“The biggest incentive to be a volunteer is just being able to give people a little bit of hope on their worst day,” he said.
If you’re looking for a way to make the most of your spare time while gaining a second family, Langford encourages you to drop by a fire station in Decherd, Winchester, or a nearby volunteer department to explore the possibility of joining a fire rescue team.
Langford encourages all young residents to consider the remarkable experience of joining the fire service — an opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying meaningful connections and life-changing moments. For Langford, firefighting is a collective effort where unity shines brightest. GN