Photo By Jordan Raiff | Quality Assurance representative Jerod Metz stands watch over his crew as they cleanup...... read more read more
Volunteering for a deployment is rarely a simple decision the first time. Doing so multiple times can be even more complex. Yet for Jerod Metz, LaGrange Lock and Dam operator and shift leader, it’s become easier each time.
“Back at LaGrange, it’s mundane — locking boats in and out. You get into a routine,” Metz said. “Out here, you get to meet property owners, hear their stories and work with different crews each day. It’s a very rewarding job.”
It’s not just the change of scenery or escape from the monotony of lock and dam work that draws people like Metz. The emphasis on safety and training is a major factor in his decision to volunteer.
“Safety is the No. 1 priority out here. We make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to safety above all else,” Metz said. “The training has been in-depth, and they make sure you’re ready before going into the field. This has been some of the best training I’ve received so far.”
Coming together from a variety of backgrounds can seem daunting at first, but Metz said he’s grateful for the collaborative atmosphere.
“Everyone out here is eager to work. They know what they’re doing, and they’re happy to be helping the survivors of these fires,” he said.
Based in the Eaton Fire Zone, Metz spent most of his time helping the people of Altadena. Although the region has endured Santa Ana winds and wildfires for generations, many residents said they had never experienced anything like this event.
That made the clearing phase of recovery more difficult, as Metz and his team couldn’t simply rush through the properties.
“People attach themselves to almost anything still intact. There have been a lot of flowerpots and vases that survived unscathed,” he said. “We try to accommodate survivors’ requests as best we can. If there’s no ash debris or soot on them, we try to get them into a safe spot. Sometimes you come across things you don’t expect to find. It’s cool to see the history underneath the ground.”
For those considering their first deployment, Metz offers encouragement.
“You’ll be nervous to get out there and try something you haven’t done before. This is my third deployment — and my first fire and debris mission. I was nervous at first, too,” Metz said. “I encourage anyone who wants to help people devastated by wildfires or hurricanes to give it a shot. You get great training when you arrive, and then you’ll be teamed up with someone who’s been on site for a while.”
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2025 07:01 |
| Story ID: | 542925 |
| Location: | ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, DEPLOYMENT SPOTLIGHT: Third Time’s a Mission: Metz Steps Up for Southern California Wildfire Response, by Jordan Raiff, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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