Pua: For the people

For the past 15 years, Fire Captain Juan A. Pua has devoted his life not only to his family but also to the community, facing of life-threatening dangers through various types of emergency situations.

“We [EMS] are here for the people,” he said. “Our shifts require a 24-hours-a-day commitment and whenever emergencies arise, minor or major, we are there.”

Pua first gained interest in becoming a part of the EMS team while enrolled at Hopwood Junior High School.

“Emergencies occur and many people just stand around doing nothing because they do not know what to do,” he said. “So I learned and joined to help.”

An incident during his teenage life sparked and ignited his desire to engage in suiting up for the force.

“I experienced an incident when we had a family gathering and an emergency situation occurred. We called 911, but after that, we didn’t know what to do after. We had to wait for [authorities] to come. That prompted me to do something.”

Fast-forward to the present time, Pua says he feels a lot better and secure.

“I feel a sense of security, especially for my family now because I have gone through proper trainings and my knowledge in handling situations has grown. It took a lot of work and sacrifice, but it was well worth it.”

Pua said discipline plays a vital role in finding success in the profession despite being on the receiving end of many negative comments during response to emergencies.

“Personally, I feel like it is my responsibility to pay back the community and the department. The training in the academy focused on discipline, and even with the negative comments because of frustration, I just tune it out and focus on getting the job done. People don’t mean to be angry [at us], but they’re just in a stressful situation and some don’t understand that we are there to help them the best that we can. I feel good about helping them.”

Of the team he works with, Pua said they work as a pack.

“Everything is based on teamwork,” he said. “Teamwork here is very strong and it has to be for us to be successful. Everyone is aware and understands their role for different scenarios. I have their back and they have mine. Like the saying in the movie Backdraft, ‘if you go, we go.’”

Though already experienced in the field, Pua said the learning process has yet to cease.

“Training never stops and education never ends,” he said. “Even after time in the academy, training continues to enhance our knowledge for different emergency situations.”

“With all our training, we also focus on teaching the community. We visit schools and share with them educational information so that the students can learn about what we do and safety measures that they can take to prevent disasters.”

Pua also extended his appreciation to his family for the support they’ve shown him throughout his career.

“I especially want to thank my wife and kids. They supported me throughout my career, even in the six months of intense training in the academy. Their support enabled me to find success.”

Pua entered the 2nd Cycle of Fire Academy in July 1989.