06/15/2026
!!MEMBERS MONDAY!! Local 5553 would like to introduce James May! James has served in Fort Lupton for over a decade, get to know James a bit more below!
What made you want to be a firefighter?
-Before becoming a firefighter I was a stay-at-home dad for 7 years. As time went on I decided it was time to join the workforce again, but in what capacity? I've always enjoyed opportunities to help people and I knew I wanted my next career to not just be a job, but to be a way of life. I wanted a career that had deep meaning and gave me purpose, even if I didn't know what that purpose was going to be. I applied for a position with Fort Lupton Fire and was offered a volunteer reserve position. It didn't take long for me to serve this community for me to be hooked on being a firefighter. I was later offered a full-time career position and the rest is history, still in the making.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to become a firefighter?
-Being a firefighter is not for everyone, and that's okay. But, if someone is thinking about becoming a firefighter, I would advise them to visit their local firehouse. Request a tour of the stations. Meet the crews and ask a million questions. Request a ride along and see the job firsthand. Apply, apply, and apply again, but never give up until you find the department that says "yes". Most importantly, invest in yourself. Enroll into a fire academy through a local community college or maybe complete an EMT course. If you don't invest in yourself, how can you expect a fire department to want to invest in you?
When not at the firehouse, what hobbies do you enjoy?
-I don't like to sit still. We all have one life and I might as well make the most of mine. I'll rest when I'm dead. When I'm not at the firehouse, I'm usually found either on a golf course, a ski slope, hiking, mountain biking, or maybe even training for a triathlon. I also enjoy time with my family while camping, travelling, attending concerts, and Broncos games. If it's outdoors and with my family, my dog, or good friends, I'm in.