Thunderbirds' Heroes off the Floor
Feb 26, 2024
Maki Jenner I Halifax Thunderbirds
Jake Withers, Austin Shanks, and Johnny Pearson show up to play every weekend. Young fans look up to them as pro athletes, but the three also come home and are heroes in their respective communities. The three have all grown up playing the sport they love, but they also all knew from a young age they wanted to enter the field of firefighting.
Shanks is coming up on his second year with the Toronto Fire Service. He previously was with the OPG Pickering Nuclear Power Plant as a member of their fire service, and from the age of 12, he knew that he wanted to be both a professional lacrosse player and a firefighter.
“I’m not really sure what attracted me to this career at such a young age,” Shanks said. “I told my mom I wanted to do both one day and am so thankful that both of those dreams have become my reality.”
Withers, one of the fiercest defenders across the league joined the Oshawa Fire Department 10 months ago. The Dawson brothers (Dan and Paul), also known for their stellar lacrosse careers, were the leading force in Withers wanting to get into the field.
“We had someone come into our locker room to do a presentation on firefighting. Afterwards, the Dawsons expanded on what it meant to them and really inspired me,” Withers said. “Seeing the way they held themselves on the floor, but more importantly off the floor played a huge role in my want to become a firefighter. I wanted to be like them and I felt that the fire department was a big reason they were who they were.”
For Pearson, his role with the fire department looks a bit different. Two years ago, he decided to join the British Columbia Wildfire Service. Members of the BC Wildfire Service spend their summers out West, fighting some of the most dangerous fires. Pearson’s title is Unit Crew Leader for the Chilcotin Ravens Unit Crew and works in Northern BC in the summer months.
“Both my father and grandfather have a history in wildfire and structural firefighting,” Pearson said. “I wanted to find a career that gave me the opportunity to help others around me while working together to accomplish new and challenging tasks.”
Working as both a firefighter and a professional lacrosse player can be extremely physically demanding. Being able to stay in peak physical shape is key for both of these roles. Whether that’s keeping up with workouts, eating right and recovering properly, it’s all vital to stay on top of their games in both roles.
“It’s a benefit that for both lines of work being in shape is very important,” Shanks said. “In both careers, it’s essential to want to push the limits. It can be tough to juggle both at the same time because of the physical demands, but it’s such a privilege to be part of either so I try to look at it as a blessing.”
The training for each of their roles varied. For Pearson, training consisted of a general boot camp, before being assigned to his region and base. After being assigned his zone, he spent time in the classroom, learning various safety measures including helicopter safety, chainsaw training, first-aid/medical certification and other field-related practices.
Along with the physical side, the mental toughness is a huge factor of being a pro athlete, and first responder. Being able to make quick decisions under pressure, deal with adversity on the fly, and remain calm during difficult situations is part of both careers.
“The mental fortitude I need to be successful in both fields is critical,” Pearson said. “Whether it’s while working, or on the lacrosse floor. There will always be things that don't go your way or you can't predict. How you handle the situations and adapt to your surroundings in the moment is what will make you and your team successful.”
These guys know what it takes to be a top-tier athlete. They’ve spent their lives surrounded by hard-working individuals, which is key to the succes of their careers off the floor as well.
Both of these fields also depend on the ability to work in a team. The three have played together for years whether it be at the Ohio State University, or now here in Halifax. The ability to take those skills from their sport to their fire halls is what has allowed them to excel.
“Both of these fields instill a sense of pride in you and your work,” Withers said “Whether it be on the floor or on the call you never want to let your teammates down.”
“The best part about being in the firefighting community is the ability to have an impact on the environment around you while working with a team of like-minded individuals,” Pearson said. “A lot of the things done are not seen by many, nor is it a very glamorous profession. The hours are long, you get dirty and sweaty. But being able to look at your crew members at the end of a deployment, knowing you gave everything you had, is a very fulfilling feeling that you are able to make an impact and help others around you. Plus, helicopter rides through the mountains are pretty cool.”
Obviously, there are many challenges you face with any job. In lacrosse, there’s often a next-play mentality. Being able to recover from mistakes and continue to support your teammates. With being a first responder the risks can be at an all-time high. Knowing that no two fires will ever be the same, but being able to adapt and make the necessary adjustments could be the difference in a lot of situations.
All-in-all these players understand that they can never take either of these roles for granted. Working to get to the highest level of the sport they love, and also working to thrive in their workforce. Something these athletes always emphasize is the feeling like they’re working for others. Being able to support their teammates on the floor, and even more importantly, their communities off the floor.
“Being a part of the firefighter community is an absolute privilege and an honour,” Shanks said. “It is a challenging career that will test you every shift and all I can do is give my best effort and honour those who put in the work before me and laid the groundwork and image for Firefighters that we are here for the people and to protect the community.”