Georgian College

11 GEORGIANVIEW 2021 SPRING ALUMNI ON THE FRONTLINES As a volunteer firefighter in a small community, some of the most challenging times come when someone you know – a friend or family member – needs your help. Firefighters in rural municipalities are first responders for everything: fires, medical calls, vehicle collisions, water and ice emergencies, and more. Any time there is a life in danger, they are there. They don't know what they'll witness or who they'll help until they are on scene. "I love making a difference in my community and helping my neighbour," says Geordan Mansholt, who notes it's important for firefighters to check in with their mental health, especially when an incident hits close to home. In a small community, that can be often. Despite this, he's always wanted to be a firefighter. As a teen working at his uncle's tire shop in Brechin, Ontario, Geordan had the perfect vantage point to watch the fire trucks race past to emergencies. Adrenaline cursed through his body and he longed to join them. "As a kid, I always knew I wanted to be part of Ramara Fire and Rescue," he shares. He comes by his passion honestly. One could almost say it's in his genes. His great uncle used to be the Fire Chief of Ramara Fire and Rescue Services, and many cousins and uncles are volunteer firefighters there as well. In May 2017, when he was of age, Geordan joined them as a volunteer firefighter and began taking courses and training to be certified as a licensed firefighter in Ontario. Four months later, in September, he enrolled in the Police Foundations program at Georgian College, studying in both fields at the same time. "Policing is another family 'business,'" he says with a chuckle, noting his aunt is a police officer. "I enjoyed the aspect of firefighting, but I also was really intrigued by policing and law enforcement, and making my community safer," he says. "With firefighting, a lot of the time it's responding to emergencies and in policing it's the same thing." His first major career move, to the Fire Investigation Services branch of the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, is the best of both worlds. As their new exhibit and logistics officer, he actually uses what he's learned in the Police Foundations program, such as the proper collection, continuity, storage and disposal of forensic evidence, as well as the inner workings of the Canadian Court system. Of course, his knowledge and experience as a firefighter come in handy too. He provides logistical support to about 50 members of the Fire Investigation Services Team, making sure they have needed equipment and supplies. "I can also assist our Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit responding to hazardous materials, as well as Urban Search and Rescue calls across the province," says Geordan. "I can be deployed all over the province, anywhere from Hudson's Bay to Toronto." Still, his heart is in Ramara and he continues to find time to help his local community as a volunteer firefighter. FOLLOWING FAMILY ONTO THE FRONTLINES Geordan Mansholt, class of 2019

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