Jumpline magazine Spring 2025 - Flipbook - Page 27
at Gustin Built
work. Instead, he would say, "Great
idea, let’s try it!" He encouraged younger members to experiment and learn
through experience, always fostering a
supportive environment.
Bill understood the weight of his
words. He never spoke negatively
about anyone, knowing that a harsh
word from him could irreparably damage someone’s career. Despite his
vast experience, he always showed
unconditional respect for rank. Even
when he could have easily overridden a
Chief (many of whom he had trained as
rookies or taught in Chief Of昀椀cer Development classes), he always used tact
and respect when addressing concerns.
The men who worked for him would have followed him to hell and back, a true testament
to his leadership and character.
Humor
While Bill was a compassionate leader, he
was also a notorious prankster. Most of his
funniest antics can’t be shared in public, but
the walls of Firehouse 2 could tell countless
stories involving powder, red plastic 昀椀re helmets, and plenty of nervous rookies.
One of his signature moves involved ice cream
in the 昀椀rehouse freezer. Before anyone dared
to eat it, they knew to inspect it carefully. If it appeared
slightly melted, it was probably a lost cause—Bill had likely
microwaved it, eaten straight from the container, and then
put it back in the freezer.
He was also beloved by the kids who visited the 昀椀rehouse.
They would encounter a "crazy old man" with no teeth,
grinning wide with his dentures removed for comedic effect. The kids never knew whether to laugh or run, but they
always remembered him.
Legacy
Bill Gustin was more than just a 昀椀re昀椀ghter. He was a compassionate soul, a sel昀氀ess leader, and a beloved prankster. His kindness, dedication, and humor left a mark on
everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though he may
be gone, his legacy of compassion, integrity, and camaraderie will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and
fellow 昀椀re昀椀ghters.
Firehouse Culture
The culture of a true 昀椀rehouse is built on camaraderie, discipline, and an unshakable commitment to service. As we
all know, we live and work together like a second family,
sharing meals, jokes, and the weight of our profession's
responsibilities. It was a commitment Capt. Gustin lived
by and instilled in all of us at Firehouse 2. He fostered a
culture shaped by a mix of tradition, teamwork, and resilience, where senior members pass down knowledge
and probies earn their place through hard work. Taken together, these efforts create and sustain the atmosphere of
relentless commitment, integrity, and community that we
strive to uphold at Firehouse 2.
Despite the tough, high-stakes nature of our job, Capt. G's
singular sense of humor and the value he placed on brotherhood/sisterhood kept morale high and perseverance
strong. He showed us the way to rely on each other in lifeor-death situations, creating a deep bond shared across
our 昀椀rehouse family. At its core, Firehouse 2 is a place of
trust, tenacity, and unwavering support, both on and off the
job - a testament to the true 昀椀rehouse culture Capt. G built
each and every day.
