Christine Butula
If there’s an attic fire, I’m the firefighter you want,” jokes Christine Butula of the Surrey Fire Service. At 5’6”, she’s not even the shortest firefighter on the job, but her small frame means she can sometimes slip into areas that her behemoth co-workers can’t access. Don’t let her size fool you though. This fifteen year fire service veteran has more than proved her physical determination and strength over the years. She even took a second place national title in her division of the Firefighter Combat Challenge one year.
She admits it hasn’t always been easy being a smaller person in such a physical career. “You have to work twice as hard as everyone else and endure the occasional expressions of disbelief from the public.” For the most part, however, she hears a lot of positive feedback from the people she meets in the course of her duties. “Women, young girls and the occasional man will come up to me and say how amazing it is that I do what I do. That’s nice to hear.” Her daughters are certainly very proud of her. “They talk a lot about their mom being a firefighter and they love the fire truck.” Do the girls talk about following in their mother’s footsteps? “The younger one does. She’ll probably be great at it,” Christine says affectionately.
Like many firefighters, Christine enjoys the variety and camaraderie that each day brings. “And the food,” she exclaims. Having worked with her, the writer can attest that the fastest way to get on Christine’s good side is to whip up something tasty in the fire hall kitchen. Of course, the days can bring sights and experiences that even a good lasagne can’t wipe away. To deal with these experiences Christine relies upon her faith and support at home. “It’s important to be able to let things go,” she says, “and a hug from my girls at the end of a hard day always makes things better.”
If you are interested in becoming a career firefighter, please contact Tim Dykeman of Surrey Fire Service Recruitment at 604-543-6739.
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