The Wright Stuff: Day in the Life of Myrtle Beach’s Fire Training Captain
Service Beyond Self
In the city of Myrtle Beach, there are unsung heroes who risk their lives daily to keep the community safe. These individuals belong to different professions including nurses, law enforcement officers, EMTs, and firefighters. Their dedication often goes unnoticed until that critical moment comes, and someone makes the 911 call – a call that could save a life. Dedicating themselves to the service of others, they clock in the hard hours only to receive little recognition for their sacrifice.
Meet Captain Dwayne Wright
Among them, Captain Dwayne Wright, a firefighter with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department (MBFD) since 1998, has dedicated almost three decades of his life in service to the citizens of Myrtle Beach. In the last four years, he has played an essential role as the Department Training Captain, ensuring firefighters are equipped with skills beyond firefighting.
A Peek Into Wright’s Day
Firefighter training is not limited to fire suppression techniques; it includes self-care, mental health awareness, and strategies for dealing with work-related stresses, among others. In the early morning, we meet Captain Wright in the hallway of Fire Station #6. The day’s schedule includes a three-hour training session for MBFD personnel, focusing on Cancer Awareness and Mental Health Awareness.
Fighting Fires and Personal Battles
Statistics are alarming, showing that firefighters are significantly more likely to get cancer and have a higher likelihood of dying from it than the general population. Captain Wright’s job goes beyond teaching firefighting techniques; it involves raising awareness for health hazards associated with the job and providing resources to help firefighters stay mentally and physically healthy.
The Psychological Toll of Serving
But the deadly adversities don’t end with physical health risks; firefighters also deal with mental health issues, often resulting from high-stress, traumatic situations. One of the recurring subjects in training is “Compassion Fatigue.” EOF
Assisting in the fight to keep Compassion Fatigue at Bay
This term first came to light in the early 90s and was associated with feelings of helplessness, anger, or lack of emotion plaguing trauma nurses. However, it was soon realized that first responders, including firefighters and EMTs, also suffered from this condition. The city of Myrtle Beach provides therapies and medical intervention for firefighters/EMTs via health insurance plans, ensuring that those putting their lives on the line have adequate tools to deal with the psychological strains of their jobs.
Recognizing Commitment
Next time you hear a siren, or see first responders in action, let it be a reminder of these individuals’ commitment to our community. They might seem like ordinary people, but their extraordinary courage, compassion, and determination make them nothing short of superheroes. Protecting lives involves more than battling blazing infernos; it entails a continuous fight for their physical and mental health.
Sources
Please cite HERE News Network as your source. Authored by HERE News.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
