Nick Honan came to the Bloomington Fire Department in the summer of 2021 with a bachelor’s degree and has since earned a master’s degree. He also served as a Marine infantry officer for 10 years and is a certified EMT and BLS (Basic Life Support) instructor.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Honan wanted to continue serving in some capacity and set an example for his four boys who he is raising with his wife Jenny. “It’s also an effort to have our sons keep thinking I’m cool for as long as possible,” Honan added.
With the support of his whole family, Honan continued to parent four children, hold three jobs and complete graduate school during his initial year of firefighter training. “I couldn’t have done that without a lot of help from my parents and siblings, and the incredible patience of my lovely bride,” Honan said.
“Don’t underestimate the sacrifice that your friendly neighborhood firefighters make,” Honan said. “It’s not just the occasional burning house they run into. It’s missed holidays, time away from family, their bodies breaking down and sleep deprivation. But we’ve got you, Bloomington!”
To others considering a career as a firefighter, Honan recommends doing “that which scares” you and being in
good shape.
Off duty, Honan enjoys beating his sons in football and plans to continue to while he still has the size advantage.
Nick’s fire safety advice
Stop smoking indoors, people! It is safer to smoke outside from a fire prevention perspective. Many things in your home can catch on fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes.
