Meet your Carlton Firefighters!

Our next post in the "Meet Your Firefighters" series will feature one of our advanced firefighters! Our advanced firefighters have earned their tenure, performed a minimum requirement of activity, worked scenes, and earned several licenses through training. Although his availability is a lot more limited than most of the department, he's nothing short of an amazing firefighter.

For this installment, we'd like to introduce you to Marshall Cecil!

Marshall, after receiving a rank promotion on the CVFD.

A little get to know me: "Hi, my name is Marshall Cecil. I've been on the department for a little over four years now. I was originally born in Houston, but moved up here when I was twelve. In my free time, I spend a lot of time outside hiking, shooting guns, and working on my trucks. I've been in the Marine Corps for about three years now, and after my remaining two years, I plan to pursue my career in joining the US Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter."

As always, we've asked our firefighters a series of department-related questions so you can get to know them a little better!

Marshall (left) performing ladder drills and ventilation training alongside other CVFD firefighters.

What initially inspired you to become a firefighter?

A sense of adventure, initially.

In your opinion, what are the most challenging parts of being a firefighter, both mentally and physically?

Physically: Not pushing myself too hard. It's easy to stress the body without knowing it.

Mentally: Dealing with other people.

In your opinion, what are the most important qualities that a firefighter must possess?

The will to sacrifice your time and the ability to learn.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the fire service today?

Hero Syndrome.

What do you hope to achieve during your time as a firefighter?

To serve my community, gain as much knowledge as I can, pass that knowledge down, and have a good time doing it.

What is one thing that you would tell someone who is considering becoming a firefighter?

Don't be afraid to say this isn't for you.

Marshall (left) during a smoke-out training with other CVFD members.

Firefighter Marshall Cecil has been a dedicated member of Carlton VFD for many years now, and has worked almost every single "big" incident with us during this time. While still actively serving in the USMC, he still devotes his free time to training, classes, and his personal leave usually ends up being dedicated to fire department operations as well. Most recently, Firefighter Cecil canceled all his plans (using his leave time) and drove almost 22 hours straight to rendezvous with CVFD to respond to the Hill Country Floods in July of this year. Firefighter Cecil has been involved in numerous events, fundraisers, training operations, and active scenes. During his time with Carlton VFD, Firefighter Cecil has made a tremendous impact not just in his own community but in several other areas as well. He has been an instrumental piece in building Carlton VFD to where it is now, and we've been beyond lucky to have him on board, working alongside us.

Carlton VFD Senior Advisor, Ally Barr: "He's the strong, silent type. He's always been one to step in and do whatever needs to be done. His demeanor is always calm and collected under pressure. Even while away from the department, he is always willing to support in whatever ways he can."

Carlton VFD Firefighter, Kyler Clay: "Marshall is one of the most dependable and capable people that I know. If something needs to be done, you can trust him to get it done, regardless of the task. His perseverance is unmatched, always pushing through even the harshest scenes with insane focus on the task at hand."

Carlton VFD Firefighter, Luke Barr: "Even though he isn't in town very often, when he is in town, he'll be on scene in a heartbeat. He always does a phenomenal job at going with the flow and knowing what to do at all times."

Carlton VFD Firefighter, Hudson Skaggs: "He is a very hard-working individual who isn't worried about getting his hands dirty or stepping up to any challenge he faces."

Carlton VFD Chief, Drew Barr: "Marshall is one of the best firefighters I've ever worked with. He's brilliant and can read a scene without any guidance. He has proven time and time again that he's level-headed, knowledgeable, and always willing to give 110% in everything that he does. He's the first person I'd want to have my back in any situation."