How a Bison Gored Man Inspired Me to Join the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department by Mark Edgington

Volunteer firefighting is often a quiet, unheralded service. From around 2008 to 2020, I was proud to serve as a volunteer firefighter with the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. It’s a community-driven role that many don’t know much about, but it became an essential part of my life.

In my uniform

Here’s how it all started…

One day, on my way to work, I stopped for a milkshake to “settle my nerves.” Suddenly, a man pulled up, asking if I could call his wife. As I got closer, I realized something was off — his arm was dripping blood and it looked serious. Believe it or not, he’d been gored by a bison. That’s right, a bison! Here in New Hampshire, no less, where bison aren’t exactly common.

Turns out, an eccentric local farmer kept a bison and a water buffalo. The man had entered the pen — probably to take a picture — and the bison gored his arm. He was holding pressure on the wound and seemed stable, so I called 911 and his wife.

When the Keene fire medics arrived, they told me that by keeping the man calm and talking, I may have saved his life by preventing shock. That moment stuck with me — it felt great to be that helpful. Eventually, I bought a dog from that farmer, who later became the chief of the Westmoreland Fire Department.

That incident was the spark that motivated me. I found the fire department and figured out how to become a volunteer firefighter.

Why volunteer firefighting?

Most fire departments in America are volunteer-based. Equipment can be expensive, but communities rely on dedicated locals willing to help. The goal isn’t always flashy rescues; it’s often about preventing fires from spreading and protecting neighbors.

In my near-decade with Westmoreland VFD, we responded to brush fires, car accidents, medical calls, and more. To be honest, my motivation wasn’t to be some kind of hero. I just wanted to be someone helpful, someone respectable.

If you’re interested in volunteering, just visit your local fire station or check their website. They usually need people — and anyone can help in some way, no matter your age or fitness level.

This article also appears on https://medium.com/@edgington.teams