Nick LaBoube, a 32-year-old fire driver with the Jefferson City Fire Department, didn't hesitate when his help was needed in St. Louis after recent flooding devastated many suburban areas of the city's surrounding counties.
Taking action was a natural reaction for the firefighter, who will have been with JCFD for seven years this March.
"I think it's just the mentality of every firefighter," LaBoube said. "If there's something to be done, you always have that desire to go help. I think everyone on this department has the same mindset."
It was definitely the mindset of Capt. Casey Hughes, who traveled with LaBoube to Valley Park, a municipality in southwestern St. Louis County. For a nearly 24-hour window starting Dec. 30, the two firefighters stood ready to respond in case the Meramec River were to crest over its levy system.
Parked on the side of the highway, they didn't encounter floodwaters but were prepared to do so thanks to training with Missouri Task Force 1, an emergency response team comprised of first responders and trained civilians from across the state. Fire Chief Matt Schofield said JCFD has five firefighters who are also task force members and two additional are in training.
St. Louis wasn't LaBoube's first deployment. For about eight days in 2012, he, Schofield and other JCFD firefighters assisted in relief efforts following Hurricane Sandy. They conducted well-being checks, knocking door to door to facilitate the needs of Long Island civilians.
With 28 teams in the country, Schofield said the department's task force participation has warranted training opportunities with fire departments of high notoriety in major cities such as New York City, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Seattle. Those skills JCFD task force members gain, Schofield said, could be applicable in the Jefferson City community if a disastrous event took place.
"It gives us a much broader experience within the industry so we're able to work with people from not only around the state as a part of the task force team, but also when we deploy for major training classes, we are working hand in hand with the best firefighters in the country," Schofield said.
Back at his home station, LaBoube has taken the lead on special projects, Schofield said, including helping to build a training site with rubble pile and refurbishing a truck despite limited resources. Joining the task force, Schofield said, was in LaBoube's nature.
"With Nick (LaBoube), he's the kind of guy who's willing to put himself out there and expose himself to very difficult training scenarios, challenge himself," Schofield said.
After graduating from Odessa High School in 2002, LaBoube worked in construction but maintained his desire to become a professional firefighter. In his hometown, he was a volunteer firefighter before being hired at JCFD.
"As a volunteer, I learned to always try and prepare yourself for about anything," LaBoube said. "It seems like we get called on for a lot of situations. It's about staying prepared and adapting to changing situations."
LaBoube moved up a rank within JCFD, being promoted from firefighter to fire driver, and assumed the responsibility of securing the firetruck. He takes care of every piece on the truck and ensures the fire crew arrives on a scene safely.
Throughout his career, LaBoube said he has appreciated the support of his fellow firefighters and family, especially his wife, AnnaLisa, and their sons, 4-year-old Devin and 2-year-old Grady.