Rod Dykes takes a hose off of a fire engine. (The Herald/Joe King)

Although fighting fires is an important part of how the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department serves the community, responding to medical emergencies and automobile accidents play a significant role.

Rod Dykes, who has been with the SVFD for more than 20 years, said the skills he uses for his fulltime job as a Sevier County paramedic have been helpful for his time as a volunteer.

“Paramedic experience helps a lot for all accidents, medical runs, and in fires if somebody gets hurt,” he said.

Some of the most important skills which Dykes said have attributed to his quality community service are the ability to stay calm and focused.

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