Making a Positive Impact
By the time you read this, I will have done one of the hardest things a person, let alone a Fire Chief, has done: I delivered a eulogy for a hard-charging young woman named Mia Shea Reynolds. Shortly after I was appointed as the Fire Chief for my hometown of Alliance, I was introduced to Mia and her family. She was a vibrant three-year-old full of energy.
Fast-forward some 14 years, and that same vibrant Mia comes to me and says, “I would like to shadow the fire department and learn what you do.” Can I? This was between her junior and senior years of high school. Absolutely, you can, but there are some logistical things we need to do first. We got through those, and Mia became a fixture in the firehouse that summer. She was a sponge! So much so that we brought her back during her senior year of high school as part of the career exploration class at Alliance High School. She would be awarded a grade for hanging out at the firehouse this time.
She even attended the EMT course through Western Nebraska Community College while interning with us. She fully immersed herself in learning the job. After graduating high school, she enrolled in the Fire Science program at Casper Community College in Casper, WY.
Why am I writing about Mia? I am not necessarily writing about Mia as much as I am writing about our ability to impact someone positively.
Making a positive impact starts with the small choices we make each day. It involves being mindful of our actions and their effects on others and the environment. A straightforward way to contribute is by practicing kindness—offering a smile to a stranger, lending a helping hand, or actively listening to someone in need. Though seemingly small, these acts can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward. This ripple effect is a powerful force for good, showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
This is genuinely what the members of the Alliance Fire Department did for Mia. I knew we had impacted her, and it was clear from her choice to pursue our profession after graduating high school, but I did not know how much of an impact we made until we lost her at the youthful age of twenty. We never know entirely our impact on someone until it is too late. When I received a text from Mia’s mom asking if I thought it was possible to hold Mia's celebration of life at our fire station, that is when I learned about our impact on this young woman. I answered we could do anything for her at the fire station; I see no reason why we could not. Her mom replied, “Well, that is where she was comfortable, where she felt the most welcomed, and where she would have wanted it.”
That is when I understood the profound impact the members of the Alliance Fire Department had on Mia. My eyes immediately filled with tears, and I am not ashamed to admit that. I have always been proud of my department’s members, and learning of their impact on Mia is just another reason I am proud of each one of them. Their dedication and kindness have made a significant difference, and I am honored to be part of this team.
Ultimately, making a positive impact means recognizing our ability to effect change and inspire others, no matter how small. It means embracing the belief that our actions can contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world, no matter how trivial they seem. By committing to these principles, we can inspire others and create a legacy of positivity that extends far beyond our immediate surroundings. This is what the members of the Alliance Fire Department did for Mia Shea Reynolds.
Remember this: you are making an impact on someone's life, whether you know it or not; just make it a positive impact.
Mia Shea Reynolds, Nov. 10, 2004 – Nov. 26, 2024. We love you, Mia. You inspired us just as much as we inspired you. We will “never forget you.” All our love, fly high, sweet girl!
Troy Shoemaker,
NSVFA 2nd Vice President