Rick O'Saile

Firefighter Spotlight

Senior Firefighter Rick O'Saile

Why did you join the Hendersonville Fire Department?

I joined my fellow brothers here at the Hendersonville Fire

Department in April, 1995. I was looking for a profession that

I could make a career out of. I had been an electrician for 20 plus

years, but when I got hired on here I knew I was much better suited

for this career.

What do you like most about the Hendersonville Fire Department?

The one thing I like most about HFD is being able to help people

and assist others in their time of need. The firefighters are definitely

a great group of guys. We have a good crew and that makes

work very enjoyable.

I enjoy the community activities that we are fortunate enough to

be able to help with each year. The department has been collecting

money for MDA (Fill-the-Boot) for many years now. It is so very

rewarding to know that we can make a difference. It means so much

to me because my brother-in-law passed away a few years ago

at age 23, “We miss you, Justin”.

What is the most significant development in your career?

Since I’ve been here, the most significant

development has been able to see the fire department

process…i.e.; the manpower and equipment used and needed

to be able to perform the job to the best of our ability.

What are your future plans?

I plan to stay healthy so I can be the best at what I do.

Being a firefighter does indeed get very physical at times,

but the future is bright and I intend to do the best I can do at

my job until retirement!!

Tell us about your family

I have a wife, Janie and 2 kids, Randall – 22 and Lauren – 18.

I have 2 step kids, Rachael – 16 and Taylor – 14.