Why did you become a firefighter?

Assistant Fire Chief Eric Valliere’s mother, from Italy, has the biggest, most servant-based heart of anyone he’s known. He credits her for his passion to help others.

Mr. Valliere has always loved team sports, playing football in high school and college. After finishing his football career, he wanted a profession that could bring him that same camaraderie. So Valliere was intrigued when his older brother, a police officer, told him about the teamwork involved in being a police officer.

After a few ride-alongs with his brother, Mr. Valliere was ready to join the police force. That is until his friend asked him to come for a ride-along with Phoenix Fire Department.

“That friend saved my life,” Chief Valliere joked.

On his first ride along with the fire department, Mr. Valliere was intrigued by the common goal that the crew possessed to give their very best efforts in providing care for those in need. It took just one ride-along for Mr. Valliere to change his major and begin pursuing firefighting. He knew, then and there, that this was the right path for him.

For Chief Valliere, it’s the unparalleled teamwork that he he enjoys the most (among many things) about firefighting. “We’re all here to help others and we help each other on- and off-duty,” Chief Valliere remarked. “I cannot believe they’re paying me to do this. It’s not a job.”

His burning passion to help others has pushed Mr. Valliere to promote all the way to Assistant Fire Chief of Scottsdale Fire Department in Arizona. He has his sights on Fire Chief one day, but it’s not about the title for him — it’s about expanding his impact for those he serves.

In addition to his responsibilities as Assistant Fire Chief, Valliere is also Chairman of the Board for the Fire Department Safety Officers Association.

What advice do you have for other firefighters?

Live your interview.

Chief Valliere has never forgotten that passion he had during his interview. It’s important, he noted, to always keep that in mind as firefighters grow in their careers.

Secondly, new firefighters should understand what they’re getting into. For any new firefighters looking for more insight on what the fire service entails should look into resources like Chris Baker’s Future Firefighter Podcast and the 2nd Alarm Project.

His third piece of advice is for everyone who reads this article.

“Treat everyone like family. Treat everyone with dignity and respect, and you’ll get that back 100-fold.”

Chief Valliere

What do you love the most about firefighting?

“Relationships, amazing people, and the impact I have the ability to deliver.”

Chief Valliere is grateful for the impact that he has on others and the impact they’ve had on him throughout his 29-year career.

Firefighters have the opportunity to help “Mr. or Mrs. Smith” while they’re on duty. Chief Valliere has the opportunity to help his crews help every Mr. & Mrs. Smith every day. “There’s nothing else like it for me,” the fire service is certainly the right place for Chief Valliere to put his skills to work.

While Chief Valliere enjoys his position in the fire service, he knows that you don’t have to be an officer to contribute in the fire service. All he asks is that each person in the fire service gives it all they’ve got. “If you want to be an engineer, be the best engineer you can be,” Chief Valliere encourages.

What parting advice do you have for those who are reading this?

Chief Valliere’s parting advice is geared towards those in leadership roles.

“The key to leadership is to make people understand and truly know that you care for them. If people know that and feel that, they’ll go through walls for you. They want to support you because you’re supporting them.”

Chief Eric Valliere