Gaston Rural Fire District

"Small town guy gets dream job.”

That's how Gaston Fire's new career firefighter, Randy Hoodenpyl, sums up his life.

It all sounds so simple, but there's much more to the story.

Randy's roots run deep in Gaston. “I went to all of the Gaston schools and graduated from Gaston High in 2005, just as my father did in the 1976 and grandfather before him in 1951.”

Randy didn't just grow up in Gaston, he says. “I grew up around the firehouse and that way of life,” he says. “My dad (Division Chief Jerry Hoodenpyl) just celebrated his 35th year as a volunteer.”

Randy's uncle, Galen, also is a firefighter, and “my older sister has been involved for 13 years,” he adds, referring to Gaston volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician Deon Kellar.

This dream job didn't just fall into Randy's lap, however. He has been an active volunteer firefighter in Gaston for six years. Active enough, in fact, to have been voted firefighter of the year three times and to have responded to more calls than any other Gaston Fire volunteer several years. And when he wasn't paying his dues with Gaston Fire, he was working full-time for Metro West Ambulance. He also earned his state certifications as firefighter and emergency medical technician/basic.

Despite all that, “I do have a life outside the fire department,” Randy says. “Although my fiancee doesn't think so.”

His fiancee, Ashley Jarvi, is yet another part of Randy's deep roots in Gaston. “She's my high school sweetheart,” Randy says. “I'm excited to start out lives together.” As if starting a new career isn't enough excitement, Ashley and Randy's wedding is this summer.

So Randy joins a career staff he knows very well. “I get to work alongside two very knowledgeable and experienced officers: my senior project mentor, Lt. Clay Davis, and Fire Chief Roger Mesenbrink.”

So the small town guy gets his dream job, and the small town gets a very experienced rookie firefighter.