Charlottetown, PE Local 5219 Treasurer Aidan Tilley has been on the job for six years and is already helping lead his union. His inspiration? His father, A.J., a veteran fire fighter and former union board member.
“I grew up around the fire service and being a fire fighter was kind of instilled in me,” said Aidan.
A.J. began his journey 29 years ago. With a family background in the military and law enforcement, he chose to take a different path.
“My dad was a cop, and there were lots of cops in the family, but it wasn’t for me. I wanted to do something different,” said A.J.
Growing up, Aidan spent much of his childhood at the firehouse with his dad, who remembers the moment he found out his son wanted to follow his lead.
“One day he told me, ‘I’m joining the fire department,’” said A.J. “I was speechless.”
Now, as a full-time fire fighter, Aidan says he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.
“I do love it. The brotherhood in the union and the camaraderie in the department. It’s everything I thought it would be and more. There’s always something different and new about the job itself. I like problem solving and working under pressure,” said Aidan.
I grew up around the fire service and being a fire fighter was kind of instilled in me.
local 5219 treasurer Aidan Tilley
A.J. says his youngest son is also considering joining the ranks.
“He never entertained the idea of being in the fire service before, but now he’s thinking about it. That’s pretty important,” said A.J.
With the growing family legacy in the fire service, and Aidan making his mark in union leadership, A.J. says he’s a proud dad.
“I think it was only one month on the job as a full-time fire fighter, and he took on an executive role, which is great. He saw the importance of getting involved with the union at a young age. That’s what I tell younger members to do, just show up,” said A.J.
The Stotts family
Louisville, KY Local 54 Battalion Chief Bryan Stotts served in the fire service for 24 years. He was introduced to the job through a family friend.
“I was around the community of fire fighters at the firehouses and picnics growing up. I learned what the career had to offer,” said Bryan. “As I grew older, I had the want to serve my community. I wanted to be part of the history of the Louisville Fire Department.”
Bryan’s calling didn’t stop with him. His sons Caleb and Oliver were raised in and around the firehouse.
“As they grew older, and I shared more stories over the years, Caleb and Oliver had the desire to become fire fighters,” said Bryan. “They verbally stated that early on and began to train in their earlier years. Once they obtained their positions, there were memorable moments where we ended up on the same fire grounds.”
One of those moments was when all three shared the stage at a promotional ceremony.
“We were promoted to higher ranks during the same ceremony, which was very memorable,” said Bryan. “Those moments reminded me of when they were on stage with me during my earlier years. I’m very proud of the choice Caleb and Oliver made and how they’ve excelled.”
Caleb, now seven years into his career, remembers his passion for the fire service at an early age.
“The excitement of the knockout going off and the stories of adventure told afterwards and now being able to share the promotional stage with my dad, and the fires that I have been fortunate to share with my dad and Oliver, are all memorable moments,” said Caleb.
I remember how I felt coming to the firehouse when I was a kid, seeing my dad and thinking one day I could be like him. So, to give my kids that same feeling would make me a proud dad and letting them know I chose to help people.
local 54 member oliver Stotts
One moment that stands out in Oliver’s memory was his first time seeing his dad while out on a call.
“I’ll never forget my first fire,” said Oliver. “We went inside and were doing a primary search of the first floor, and I was so amped I didn’t realize when I ran into a fire fighter inside the house and it was my dad. As the smoke cleared, I knew it was him because of his helmet. After the fire was knocked down, we were outside talking about the fire, and my brother came around the rear of the house and I saw him. It was the best feeling.”
Oliver, who has four years on the job, says childhood memories of firetrucks and his father’s uniform shaped his dream and now he hopes to pass that same feeling on to his own children.
“I remember how I felt coming to the firehouse when I was a kid, seeing my dad and thinking one day I could be like him,” said Oliver. “So, to give my kids that same feeling would make me a proud dad and letting them know I chose to help people.”
