Aloha, my name is Mason Gess. I have lived an active and fulfilling 23 years here in beautiful Chillicothe. My childhood was filled with sports and music, as my parents took me around the Midwest for travel hockey and baseball. Also, I was involved in choir, basketball, and track during grade school.

During high school, I explored various interests that allowed me to discover more about myself. I enthusiastically participated in choir, baseball, and soccer activities, but what truly reignited my passion was rediscovering my love for hockey. Despite feeling uncertain about my future, I became increasingly drawn to the business aspect of sports. This led me to take classes at ICC to further my understanding of this field.

Moreover, I vividly remember the impact of watching the show “Chicago Fire,” which sparked a deep interest in joining the fire department. This desire was so strong that it left a lasting impression on me, even though I couldn’t pursue it at the time due to prior commitments. Nevertheless, this experience planted a seed in my mind, and it has stayed with me ever since.

What ultimately led me to join the CCFPD was the inspiration I found in my father, who joined the Fire Department in March 2023. His captivating stories about his experiences fueled my desire to explore the fire service for myself. Stepping into the fire station, I felt an immediate sense of belonging and purpose, solidifying my decision to dedicate my life to this noble profession.

On September 11, 2023, I officially became part of the CCFPD and commenced my recruit class the next day. Since then, I have made tremendous strides, now serving full-time at the Mossville Caterpillar Fire Department at Station 41. I have completed an 18-week comprehensive training program, gaining certifications in Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) for Firefighter I and Hazardous Materials Operations for HazMat. My journey continues as I prepare to embark on an EMT course, with the ultimate aspiration of becoming a full-time firefighter in a municipal department or as a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter.

The driving force behind my decision to join the fire department and my aspirations within the Fire Service is to impact others and effect meaningful change positively. Every day, I strive to enhance my skills and knowledge to become a more effective and reliable teammate for those working alongside me. My colleagues’ unwavering support and guidance have played a pivotal role in my personal growth. One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned throughout this journey is that while training and learning are crucial, real-life experiences are invaluable.