By: Jenna Frisby
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jenna@thevillagereporter.com
In Kevin Studer’s younger years he was “ornery”, as he grew older, he wanted to do something to give back to the community.
So, one day in 1979 when the old Edgerton Canning Factory caught fire that was right around the corner from Studer’s home, he went out to see how he could help.
Studer ended up helping with rolling hoses with a firefighter. As he was helping in the only way he could at the time, the firefighter he was assisting looked at him and told him that he should really become a firefighter.
It didn’t take Studer long to reflect on whether or not he could be just that, a firefighter, he knew he had what it would take to do the job and so his journey began.
Now, 45 years later, he has had quite the journey as a fireman. He has worked with countless people, went on the scene of countless calls, and impacted his community in countless ways.
In getting to speak with Studer it doesn’t take long to know that he’s the type of individual who strives to give back to his community. That’s exactly what he did for the 45 years he was with the Edgerton Fire Department.
Studer’s firefighter journey started with him joining the Edgerton Fire Department as a volunteer in June of 1979. Through the years following he worked on his training up to receiving his Firefighter 1 (FF1) certification.
Something that required countless hours of training and resulted in being certified to be able to enter a burning building. In 1994, just 15 years after joining the department, Studer became captain of the Edgerton Fire Department.
Since then, there has been a span of 30 years in which Captain Studer reflects that he has learned a lot as well as witnessed many life-or-death situations.
Captain Studer reflected on those life-or-death moments that resulted in close calls. Moments he would never forget and that would remind him of how blessed he is.
One of those moments he recalls was when he was working on the roof of a burning home, and as he stepped off the roof it collapsed instantly. He’ll never forget that moment, as it could have been him that collapsed with that roof and he could have been gone.
Another moment Captain Studer reflected on was when a storm with 90mph high winds ripped through Edgerton in June of 2010. As many individuals will remember, that was the storm that destroyed the old town hall building next to the fire house.
Captain Studer and another fireman were standing outside observing the weather. Captain Studer had just turned around and stepped back into the firehouse when the roof blew off the old town hall and landed in the parking lot where he was just standing.
His fellow firefighter who had been standing with him was thrown under a car, he had to be hospitalized but survived his injuries. Yet another time in which Captain Studer reflected that he was blessed to be moved from the way of danger.
Despite the close calls, Studer was blessed to always be able to go home to his wife and three kids. His wife, Suzie, was a continual driving force in support behind him.
There were many times in which Studer recalled having to leave family dinners, or his kid’s events, even a Christmas one year. But through all of those absences, his family, and Suzie especially, always supported him.
She took care of their children and always made sure to pray over her husband when he was called out. Something that certainly covered him when he was out on calls.
Though Studer has recently retired as of last month, after 45 years of service to the Edgerton Fire Department, firefighting will always be a part of his life. In reflecting back over the years.
Captain Studer mentioned his thankfulness for the opportunity to work with such great people in the community of Edgerton and even neighboring towns.
Many times, the fire department would hold trainings with departments nearby and aid one another many of times on calls.
He explained that it’s just something you do when you care about your community. You help each other out. No matter the situation.
Though Studer wasn’t too sure about individuals he may have mentored he certainly knew who played a large part in mentoring him throughout his career.
When he was a younger firefighter, he was mentored by Lanny Wright, Ron Smith, and Joe Hinkle. While as he grew, became Captain, and continued further into his career as a firefighter he learned and absorbed a lot of the knowledge and wisdom from Kenny Blue and Chief Scott Blue.
In his role of Captain, he knew he was partially personally responsible for all the firemen who were on scene at any given call.
Captain Studer reflected on the role he played on the department, and he summed it all up to a few words, “It’s a lot of hard work, and I was ok with that.”
He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. As much hard work as it was over the years, he also learned that it’s always best to slow down and take a hard look at what you’re doing, then you can assess and take action from there. That is the best way to keep yourself from becoming a victim.
Over the years, Captain Studer’s been able to make a difference in not only his community but also the surrounding communities because of the close-knit department he was a part of.
As well as in getting to be a part of working with such great people who are truly doing what they do for the community.
“It’s never been about the money; it’s always been about serving the community.” Most all of the Edgerton Fire Department are volunteers regardless, so those individuals are truly doing the job as a firefighter because they have a passion for protecting the community, that same passion that Captain Studer holds close.
Before wrapping up, Captain Studer mentioned how much the department needs good volunteer firefighters to join their team. Individuals who will not only put others first but also be willing to sacrifice for the protection and safety of the community.
The hope that there will be up and coming young individuals who will answer the call of public safety duties stands and will hopefully be filled.
Captain Kevin Studer served the Edgerton Fire Department for 45 outstanding years. Something that takes dedication, commitment, perseverance, and passion. All of which Captain Studer certainly holds.
“Captain Studer was one of those rare firefighters who attacked every task using all of his ability. His retirement is well deserved, and we wish him well.” —The Village of Edgerton.
