November, of course, brings thoughts of Thanksgiving, a day most of us spend in feast and fun with family and friends, our minds at ease knowing that, should some kind of emergency arise, immediate and highly trained help is a mere 911 away. So, in gratitude for the service these professionals provide our community, here’s a heartfelt thanksgiving to four of our local first responders.
Steven Casada, field training officer
Steven Casada served for a dozen years at a sheriff's office in Floria and has been with the Brentwood Police Department since June 2016.
Have you ever had to miss a holiday due to your work?
Yes, there are several holidays throughout the year that I have been apart from my family. Last year, they went to Florida to spend Thanksgiving with extended family while I stayed here in Tennessee. Although working on a holiday is not always our first choice, I believe I can speak for the rest of the Brentwood Police Department and say that it is an honor and a privilege to give back to the citizens and families of this community so that they can enjoy the time with their families and be assured that we are taking care of them.
What do you find most gratifying about your work?
Working with such great officers and being able to help others in their time of need, whether it be a minor traffic crash or the death of a family member.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, attending and playing sporting events and outdoor activities.
Elizabeth Riggert, emergency communications dispatcher
Previously with the Rutherford County Sheriff's office for four years, Elizabeth Riggert has been with the Brentwood Police and Fire Department since April 2018. Outside of work, she enjoys interior design and traveling.
Have you ever had to miss a holiday due to your work?
I haven't had a holiday season with my family since beginning my career in emergency services.
What do you find most gratifying about your work?
The most gratifying part of my job is being in the position to help people on what is likely the worst day of their life. When others don't know what to do or where to go for help, they call us, and being able to help when all else feels lost makes me feel as if I'm a part of something bigger than myself.
Scott Ellis, battalion chief
Scott Ellis has been with the department for nearly 27 years.
Have you ever had to miss a holiday due to your work?
Over the years, I have missed many holidays with my family due to being on shift. Our families learn that Christmas or Thanksgiving can be celebrated on any day, not just the actual day itself. We have holiday celebrations at the fire hall and bring our families to us sometimes. A lot of the guys without kids will work shifts for the ones with small children at home. The key is having an understanding family that realizes you are a firefighter at all times.
What do you find most gratifying about your work?
The most gratifying thing about being a firefighter is truly the sense of being a public servant. There are times that occur in your career that you truly save a life or make a difference to someone in a time of need. There are calls that you made a difference that make everything else worth the price. Another gratifying thing would be the camaraderie and family atmosphere that exist within the fire service. Through good and bad times, you have a second family to rely on for any needs that may arise.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors and being with family. With all of the hustle and bustle of life, I enjoy quiet time either in the woods or around a fire. I also teach at the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy. My second choice of a career would have been a teacher.
Jay Williams, fire department lieutenant
Jay Williams has been with the department since 2009.
Have you ever had to miss a holiday due to your work?
Yes, I have spent many holidays away from my family due to our work schedule. One of the biggest fires I've experienced since joining this department was on Thanksgiving.
What do you find most gratifying about your work?
I love helping people and really appreciate that every single day of work is different. When you show up at shift change, you never quite know how your day is going to go. Brentwood is a lot busier than most people think, and I enjoy trying to solve each day's problems as they arise.
I understand you also have a very sweet side job.
In addition to working as a firefighter, I am heavily involved in raising, managing and protecting honeybees in Middle Tennessee. I produce honey, raise bees for new beekeepers, pollinate crops and teach beekeeping schools. Our honey has won national awards and has been enjoyed by three of the last four U.S. presidents. I've even managed to convince a handful of fellow firefighters at the department to take up the hobby! I keep joking we should start our own firefighter beekeeping club. You can follow along with our daily beekeeping activities on Instagram: @williamshoneytn.