Jerry and Kevin Gould , July 13, 2010 and July 29, 2010

In an interview with Alicia Martin-Cowger on July 13, 2010, Jerry and Kevin Gould discuss their careers with the Boise Fire Department. Topics discussed in the interview: what led them to become firefighters; the difference in hiring practices between when Jerry was hired in 1964 and when Kevin was hired in 1991; introduction of advanced equipment like Scott Air-Paks; the beginning of the Dive Team; how training helped evolve firefighting and medical response; changing from two-man to three-man engine companies; pranks including the infamous smoke bomb at Station Four; and the camaraderie and support within the department. Kevin Gould also discusses some of the differences between his experience at Whitney Fire Department and Boise Fire Department.

In a second interview on July 29, 2010, Jerry and Kevin Gould continue discussing their experiences at the Boise Fire Department. Topics discussed in the interview: pranks Jerry pulled; notable fires each worked on including the Robin Roe house fire; coping with seeing fatalities; memorable medical calls; what they loved about the job; the value in being trained as an EMT; how politics has affected ambulance services; the different administrations they’ve worked under; providing care to upset or violent people; responding to fires during a riot at the Old Penitentiary; and Jerry’s struggle with alcoholism as well as the drinking culture in the department.