By Ed Reeves:  For Helen Keohane, joining the St. James Fire Department (SJFD) wasn’t about previous firefighting experience—it was about stepping up for her community.  As a resident of Arbor Creek, she is part of the team of Fire Police that covers that community with the St. James Fire Department.

 “I didn’t have any real fire service background,” Helen says. “I had been a Safety Officer at a few jobs, and I’ve lived through some major disasters like the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake and the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire. I also had to call 911 and manage an accident scene when I was just 17.” These early experiences planted the seed of readiness and calm in emergencies, but it was her desire to give back that ultimately led her to SJFD.

 That sense of service has paid off. Helen finds tremendous value in the training offered by SJFD: “It prepares you for a variety of emergencies,” she explains. Just as rewarding, though, is the camaraderie. “Working with dedicated people makes the experience incredibly fulfilling.”

 To those considering joining, Helen offers sincere encouragement: “It’s not really that big of a time commitment. You get great satisfaction from helping your community—and the people you work with are fantastic.”

 One moment stands out among her experiences: helping manage a house fire. “Although the house was destroyed, no one was injured, and the neighboring homes were protected from serious damage,” she says. “It was really powerful to see all the agencies working so well together.”

 In Helen’s story, you’ll find no sirens or heroic headlines—just the quiet strength of someone who answered the call. And in doing so, she has become an essential part of a community that looks out for each other.

 Want to join, click on the JOIN tab and fill out an I’m Interested form.  Come see how your next chapter could include service, friendship, and real impact.