Fireman knows the risks and rewards of chosen career

By Natalie Gentry

Capt. Charles Brawley has respect for fire.

As a Cape Girardeau fireman for 23 years, he know first-hand how dangerous fire can be.

"The worst part of my job," the captain said, "is seeing someone get hurt or die."

His own training and experience mean that he is not afraid of his work.

"My family is sometimes scared that I might get hurt or die in a fire," Brawley said.

Brawley's wife and two children have had to get used to his work.

"I chose my career because it is fun, interesting, exciting, and I like the idea of helping other people," he said.

Brawley has lived in Cape Girardeau for 43 years. He knows what it takes to be a member of the fire department.

"Our fireman must be 21 years of age, a high school graduate of an Emergency Medical Technician," Brawley said.

There are 51 total firemen, 10 fire trucks, and four fire stations in the city of Cape Girardeau, and there is only one female on the staff; she started her work in 1995.

"There are more people now trying to get on the fire station's squad, since Sept. 11," Brawley said, "and if they can't get on the squad, they try to get into the Army."

The long-term Cape fireman urges everyone to have respect for fire, keep a check on batteries in smoke detectors, and be sure to make fire escape plans.

Natalie Gentry is a student in the Cape Girardeau public schools. This story was written as a class assignment.