MARYSTOWN, N.L. — Justin Bolt is living his dream.
“It was, but it was something that felt like it would never happen,” the 32-year-old said when asked if becoming a fire chief had been a goal of his.
It did happen and in becoming Marystown’s fire chief last fall, Bolt is among the youngest in the position in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Bolt has been around fire halls for as long as he can remember, practically. He recalls looking up to firefighters from an early age and wanting to be one.
Bolt’s father, Wayne, joined the Grand Bank Volunteer Fire Department in 1993.
“I remember being a young boy and going to check the trucks on the weekend mornings and hanging around the hall any day, basically,” Bolt said.
He fondly recollects relationships he forged with the members of the department, including Grand Bank’s fire chief of the day, Harvey Brenton.
“The camaraderie was the big thing, and I guess the sense of another family. It brought people together to do good for their community … to help residents and businesses alike,” he said.
However, Bolt looked up to no one more than his father, who he says has been a great role model throughout his whole life, particularly relating to fire services.
“There’s things I do now in my current role that I communicate with him … for advice on moving forward,” he says.
Bolt’s first step up the ladder came when he signed up as a firefighter with the Grand Bank department 14 years ago. Relocating to Marystown for work four years later, he joined the volunteer department there.
“It’s now my job, as well, but it doesn’t feel like I’m going to work every day."
— Justin Bolt
Over time, Bolt added a variety of education, work and other experience to his resumé, climbing another rung with each one.
“It’s one of those things where I always took opportunities that were presented to me,” he said.
Last year, the puzzle pieces all fit together when an opening came up for the position of manager of emergency services, health and safety with the Town of Marystown, a job that includes the role of fire chief.
Bolt applied and was hired, starting in November.
“It’s now my job, as well, but it doesn’t feel like I’m going to work every day,” he said. “It feels like I’m going to the fire hall like I always did.”
20 Questions
1. What is your full name?
Justin Wayne Bolt.
2. Where and when were you born?
I was born in St. John’s in 1988.
3. Where do you live today?
Marystown.
4. Who do you follow on social media?
Well, that’s a broad range. Anywhere from following the Toronto Maple Leafs, to other sports-related pages, and also anything fire department-related, of course, and a number of people that I’ve met or (with whom I share) common interests.
5. What is your favourite movie or book?
This is a different one! "Ladder 49," I guess, just because of its relevancy to what we do. Definitely what you see on TV is not always what it is, but it’s definitely been a favourite movie of mine.
6. What is your favourite place in the world?
Hmm, I can seriously say no better place than home. I do enjoy travelling elsewhere, but (in) Newfoundland … you can, I guess, appreciate what you have around you. And looking at it from a different angle sometimes makes it look that much better.
7. What has been your favourite year and why?
Well, 2020, even considering the pandemic, with the birth of my second daughter, after losing a daughter in 2019. It definitely was my favourite year. While the pandemic was going strong, my second daughter was born and we were able to bring her home. Not only that, but becoming a fire chief, as well.
8. What is your most treasured possession?
My treasured possession is probably a fire helmet, a fire chief’s hat that I was given by Grand Bank fire Chief Harvey Brenton back in the day, which I still have displayed at home.
9. What is your biggest regret?
It’s like anybody, you have regrets, but not something that kind of stands out to you every day.
Posted by Justin Bolt on Wednesday, February 24, 2021
10. What is the hardest thing you have ever done?
The hardest thing I’ve ever done is work away from home. Right now, I’m fortunate to be able to be back working at home, doing something I love. Back in 2008 to 2011, working back and forth in Alberta, and even working in Long Harbour, only a few hours away but … I’m a family person and I love to be home with my family.
11. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That’s a hard one … can’t hide the fact I’m a diehard Leafs fan, so nobody would be surprised in that one, though some days it’s better if I wasn’t.
12. Can you describe one experience that changed your life?
That was definitely joining the fire service and serving with my father. It definitely made me look at things a different way, and to see, although you face everyday life challenges, what you can do to help others.
13. If you were singing karaoke what would be your song?
Ha, nobody would want to hear me sing, they’d rather turn off the mike.
Starting her off right on the 1st Saturday night hockey of 2021 - Go Leafs Go!!
Posted by Justin Bolt on Saturday, January 16, 2021
14. How do you like to relax?
Actually, it’s sitting back and watching the Toronto Maple Leafs win, of course, this year. But no, also I do a lot of reading of fire service-related material, just interest-wise and furthering my knowledge.
15. What physical or personality trait are you most grateful to a parent for?
Work ethic. Work ethic and caring. That has definitely been instilled in me from my parents and my grandparents and so on.
16. If you didn’t take this career path what would you have chosen?
Actually, that’s a hard one because I had started in the engineering field and initially it probably would have been civil engineering.
17. What is your best quality and what is your worst quality?
My best quality would probably be communication and teamwork. Worst quality? There’s nobody that criticizes me as much as I criticize myself to try to be better.
18. What is your greatest fear?
I guess (the) greatest fear is health ailments, not (being able) you to do what you love.
19. What three people would join you for your dream dinner party?
That’s a hard one … family members who have passed and just kinda knowing what life was like at one time and where I originated from and things before me. I’d have to say one of them would be my grandmother (Bolt) who recently passed and then my great-grandfather Hillier … and I guess my great-grandfather Riggs, as well. I never got to meet him.
20. What music are you listening to right now?
Nothing right now. actually. It’s usually back and forth between what OZFM’s playing or the "Open Line" on VOCM. Not much in music, for me.
Paul Herridge reports on the Burin Peninsula.
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