Columbia Fire and Rescue - Station 1
Our community is supported in so many ways by the men and women who serve as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. First responders’ duties place them in harm’s way daily, but those who serve in these rolls find it extremely rewarding and satisfying. Firefighters in Columbia train more than 240 hours per year to ensure they are prepared to handle all types of emergencies that occur in the City of Columbia. We want to take this opportunity to introduce some of the firefighters at Station 1 and thank them as well as ALL the firefighters and first responders around Columbia for their assistance and say, “Thank you for your service, we appreciate everything you do for the community!”
Ty Cobb
Fire Chief
Let us first introduce Ty Cobb, the Fire Chief at Station 1 in Columbia. He has been a firefighter for 23 years and been at Station 1 since 2009, where he served as Captain on Engine 1 before promoting to Assistant Fire Chief in 2013. His fascination in firefighting started at a young age. Growing up he enjoyed watching fire and police tv shows and since the fire station was not far from his family home in Pulaski, he used to ride his bicycle to the fire station and help wash the trucks and equipment.
Cobb wanted to become a firefighter because he felt fire service allowed him the best opportunity to serve his community and help people. Also, the firefighter shift schedule allowed him to attend college while working as a fulltime firefighter. Cobb has always been driven to be the hardest worker in the room and fire service requires that work ethic to succeed at the task and commitment to excellence.
“Today I enjoy the job just as much as the first day I started,” stated Cobb, but what he enjoys most about being Fire Chief is impacting the lives of others in a positive way. He likes to solve problems, find solutions, and look for ways to improve. Managing tax dollars is an important part of his job and he strives to spend the taxpayer’s dollars wisely and efficiently. This is a major responsibility as Fire Chief in a growing energetic city and one challenge and responsibility he takes very seriously. As part of the leadership team, he understands the accountability the responsibility brings and knows making the right decision is imperative because it directly impacts the lives and people in the community the firefighters protect and serve.
Over the years Cobb has racked up many firefighting stories, but he explained, “The best stories are the emergency calls resulting in the firefighters saving lives and property. Columbia Fire & Rescue is a Class 1 department ‘Best in the State’ and have the best trained firefighters able to handle any challenge they are faced with. Recently the firefighters and police responded to a pregnancy call and they ended up delivering a baby in a public restroom. The quick actions of the emergency personnel saved the infants life and now the mother and child are doing well.”
During his days off Fire Chief Cobb enjoys the outdoors and working on his farm in Bigbyville, Tennessee, just south of Columbia. He enjoys riding four wheelers and playing with his 14-month-old daughter, Navie. Every afternoon if the weather is good, he and his wife Cara along with Navie go on a family adventure on the farm. He noted, “It’s the best part of the day for us to enjoy each other.”
Todd Wiencek
Captain/Firefighter/AEMT
Captain Todd Wiencek came onboard September 8, 2008, making this summer 13 years with Columbia Fire and Rescue. He began at Station 1 as a firefighter and was there for five years before transferring to Station 3 in 2013. In January 2021, he moved back to Station 1 and is one of the firefighters who is also an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.
Wiencek wanted an opportunity to give back to the community and as a firefighter he felt he would get to help people during their worst times. He also wanted a career in a field that was constantly evolving and allowed him to stay active. He said, “Every call we go on is unique. I enjoy working in a team setting to accomplish a common goal. I always enjoy the calls that look bad but have the result where everyone is okay. Sometimes after realizing everyone is fine, the caller will apologize for calling us. We remind them that this is our job and to never hesitate to call us during an emergency. We are always happy to watch people go home safe and healthy.”
When Captain Wiencek has time off, he enjoys fishing in the local rivers and creeks and he and his family also enjoy going bowling at Ten Pin Alley for a fun night out.
Jake Lee
Firefighter/Paramedic
Jake Lee has been a firefighter for 20 years and has been with Columbia Fire & Rescue for two years and he is also one of the paramedics at the station. He naturally has a servant’s heart and being a firefighter allows him to serve others, build strong relationships, and make a positive difference in the city and the surrounding area he serves.
“Seeing the faces of people we serve when we make a positive difference in their life. Their faces just light up when you mitigate their emergency from a cat in a tree, skunk removal, car accident, death of a loved one, domestic violence, and fire suppression,” Lee described as some of things he likes best about his job. Lee also explained, “Carrying the responsibility of the community trusting you is an invaluable service part of the job.”
One of the most unique ‘firefighter’ stories Lee shared was when he was approached by the administration to be a pallbearer in a funeral of a person he did not even know. This was such a unique request, but it was explained to him the person who passed loved firefighters and always wanted to date one. She never dated one, but her last request was to be carried out by firefighters and to be able to fulfill her dying wish was one of the greatest requests he has been able to be a part of in his career. “Her family was so grateful. The tears of joy in their eyes and warm embraces said it all. They even sent us thank you cards,” Lee recounted.
When Lee has time off, he enjoys spending time in downtown Columbia or doing outdoor activities. You may find him at one of the unique shops near the square, hiking on one of the beautiful trails, or fishing at one of the nearby creeks.
Albert Lynn
Driver/Firefighter/AEMT
Serving as a firefighter for 15 years, Albert Lynn just started at Station 1 approximately two months ago. He is the designated driver on most calls and is also an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. He always wanted a career where he could help people and do something different each day at work, which lead him to firefighting. Lynn says, “It’s a physically and mentally demanding career that I am proud to have.”
There are many stories Lynn can share from his years of service, but Lynn explained a new project at Station 2 that will have a positive impact for all the firefighters in Columbia. “Recently the department has pulled together the diverse skills at our station, other than fighting fires and rescues, to begin constructing a training facility at fire station 2. This facility is built largely with recycled material and by firefighters already on shift between responding to calls.”
Lynn enjoys relaxing on his days off and appreciates the great outdoors fishing and hunting.
Gary Olson
Firefighter/Paramedic
Gary Olson has been a firefighter for more than eight years with Columbia Fire and Rescue and has been at Station 1 for approximately six months although back in 2019-2020 he also spent time at Station 1.
As a firefighter and paramedic, he likes helping people and enjoys the challenges the job brings every day. The variety of the job is what he most likes. Olson explained, “I can use my skills to help someone sick or injured on one call. Then an hour later be putting out a fire. Later we will be using our rescue skills to help someone trapped in their vehicle after an accident. Every day is different and exciting.” He has many stories to share but stated, “The good stories to me are the fires that are put out early, the accidents where no one was hurt, and the medical calls where everyone recovers quickly and fully. The good calls are all the ones with happy endings.”
Olson enjoys his time off with family and pets on his farm in Columbia. He also enjoys camping and canoeing on the Duck and Buffalo Rivers.
Matthew Fox
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter and paramedic, Matthew Fox, started his career at Station 1 seven years ago. Fox wanted to become a firefighter to learn about the culture and comradery and to be able to positively affect the lives of those in the community.
As a firefighter each call can create that unforgettable moment, but Fox mentioned, “The baby deliveries are the stories that stick with me in a good way.” On his days off he likes spending time with his family and being outdoors.
Zach Bennett
Firefighter/EMT
Zach Bennett has been a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician at Station 1 for almost two years now. He wanted to become a firefighter so he could serve his community by helping people as well as serving as part of a team.
One of the most impactful stories Bennett can think of is when he and some other firefighters were able to go down to Mt. Pleasant and help a young man with his Eagle Scout project. “The project was building a trail in the woods near a park and the trail was in honor of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness,” Bennett described. Another example of how firefighters help the community!
What he likes most about his job is the family atmosphere the fire department provides, as Bennett says, “We are all really good buddies!” On his days off, he enjoys activities outdoors like swimming, biking, running, and fishing.
Chris Chumley
Firefighter/AEMT
Firefighter Chris Chumley has been at Station 1 for two and a half years and is also an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. Although he never actually saw a fire truck up close until he decided to apply to be a firefighter, he was definitely “sold” on the job when he did his first ride along.
One of the most gratifying aspects of being a firefighter Chumley says is, “I love being able to assist my hometown when they need it the most. Knowing I am able to help is the most satisfying part of the job.”
Chumley enjoys farming, landscaping, coaching football, and being out in the community. When you are out and about, take notice of the beautifully maintained lawn at Station 1. That is Chumley’s green thumb!
Grant Smith
Firefighter/AEMT
Grant Smith is one of the newer firefighters of the group. He has been a firefighter for almost a year and a half now and has been with Columbia Fire and Rescue that entire time.
Smith always wanted to be an asset to the community by helping others, which led him on his path to becoming a firefighter and Advance Emergency Medical Technician here in Columbia. He said, “I felt this a was a very tangible way to demonstrate care for other people on a daily basis and it is also a very rewarding career.”
One of his favorite parts of the job is getting to meet all kinds of different people and although he lives in Nashville, he really enjoys the First Friday Events on the square and how the community supports one another.
Daniel Quintero
Firefighter/EMT
The newest firefighter of this bunch is Daniel Quintero, who has been a firefighter for less than five months but as been a cadet at Station 1 since the start of 2019.
As a child, he never thought about wanting to be a fire fighter. For him it was always military, but after he completed his military service, he knew he could not have a ‘normal job’ like most people. “I needed and wanted something more, something that would give me a new challenge,” he said. Quintero found that new challenge and began his new career of public service as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician.
What Quintero loves most about his job is being able to help those in need and to work with some of the best men and women he knows. On his days off he enjoys rock climbing and trying out new restaurants in the area.
A special thanks to Hanna Miller for helping us with this feature!
Hanna Miller is the community risk reduction/public information officer for Columbia Fire & Rescue.