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Firefighter Spotlight – Aaron Kite – October 2014

aaronkiteName: Aaron Kite
Rank: Firefighter/EMT
Date Joined: Firefighter since 2010

Why did you join North Lenoir Fire & Rescue?
One of the main reasons why I joined the fire department was because my best friend, Nick Holleman, was on as a junior. I saw how much fun he was having and how much he was learning so I decided that joining would be good for me also. I also was looking for a way to effectively make a difference in my community. What better way to do that than to join the fire department?

What do you like most about North Lenoir Fire & Rescue?
What I like most about North Lenoir Fire & Rescue is the amount of dedication every individual has to the fire department. No matter if it is getting a truck out to every call or spending extra time at the stations to make the building look professional, our members volunteer their own time to make us who we are. We deserve to have pride in what we do because of that dedication.

What do you like to do for fun?
Well, I guess you can say being at the fire department and running calls is kind of a given for a firefighter. When I am not working or in school, I enjoy spending time with family and my girlfriend. I also enjoy hunting and shooting.

What community activities are you involved in outside of the fire department?
I attend 902 Church so I also try to volunteer my time through the church as much as I can. I am also working on my Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection Technology through Wilson Community College. 

What would people be surprised to know about you?
Not many people know I was actually born in Nashville, Tennessee. My family and I moved to Kinston when I was about three. My parents decided to move us back because this is where the majority of our family lives.

What advice would you give someone interested in joining the fire service?
I always thought being a firefighter is a family tradition kind of thing, and for some people it is. But when I joined, and I learned what it is all about, I found out it is much more than that. It is for anyone that wants to serve their community. I guess my best advice would be if you want to join do not let anyone talk you out of it, not even yourself. Sure, there were times I second guessed myself, but looking back now I am so glad I kept pushing. If being a firefighter is what you want to do, then get out there, go join, go train, and most of all be safe.

Tell us about your family:
I actually do not have any immediate family that is involved with the fire service. My dad works for Butterball in Mount Olive and my mother works for Lenoir Community College. I could not have asked for any better parents. I also have an awesome sister that goes to North Lenoir High School. When I decided to join the fire department they all backed me up and supported my decision. I do have extended family that is greatly involved with the fire service. They have been a huge inspiration to me as I have been building on my fire career.