One of nearly 80 youth anglers at the 2025 Fish with a Firefighter event smiles at the camera.
Union Firefighters Connect with
Ohio Community at Youth Fishing Event
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Fishing rods, fire trucks and smiles took over Yoctangee Park on April 26 for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) Fish with a Firefighter event. Members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 300 and Ohio Department of Natural Resources provided fishing instruction and assistance to nearly 80 youth participants.
This event was part of a series of free, community-based youth outreach activities organized under the USA’s flagship conservation program, Work Boots on the Ground.
A youth attendee catches a fish at the 2025 Fish with a Firefighter event.
“It seems like the kids had a good time,” said IAFF Local 300 Treasurer/Secretary Scotty LaGard. “We were just excited they got to see the fire trucks, catch some fish, and enjoy time outside, even though it was a little cold. Some of these kids brought up trout and were excited. I had one kid bring up the smallest bluegill and he was just so ecstatic that he caught a fish.”
The best part of the day, according to IAFF Local 300 Interim President Jason Miller, was giving away rods and reels for kids in attendance to take home.
“Kids won’t get into fishing unless someone gives them the opportunity,” he said. “Hopefully the enjoyment they found in fishing and spending time outdoors at this event encourages them to continue to keep it a strong aspect of their lives as they get older.”
As a father of three, hunter, and fisherman, LaGard said events like Fish with a Firefighter give the community a chance to see firefighters in a different light.
Families and volunteers check in and gather fishing supplies at the 2025 Fish with a Firefighter event.
“We want to be able to be community-based,” LaGard said. “We live in a smaller community, and want them to see us outside of work and learn about things we are interested in as well. This is a way for us to give back. One of the best things is when a kid comes to the firehouse just to see a firetruck. That brightens your day because as firefighters, you see kids at the worst possible moments. When you see a kid smiling, it’s the best.”
Miller described the importance of community involvement for firefighters.
“A large part of our relationship with the community is getting out for kids getting to see local firefighters who respond to their homes to their families,” he said. “You hope it leaves a positive impression so they are not scared when they see our uniform and have some comfort knowing that we are doing the best that we can.”
Fish with a Firefighter was not only an opportunity for firefighters to engage with the community, but it also built camaraderie among the volunteers.
“A good majority of guys I hunt and fish with are all in the department or have retired from the department,” Miller said. “Having the ability to find people who fish and hunt and have similar interests makes it a more comfortable process to get to know people and continues relationships that you’ve built throughout your career.”
