This column serves as a spotlight, highlighting the everyday people who work and live in Callaway County. The Fulton Sun takes a moment with someone who is not usually featured in the news but is just as instrumental in making our community the strong and beautiful place we all know and love.
Shawn Pettigrew has been with the Fulton Fire Department for 10 years, the first three as a volunteer firefighter and the last seven as a lead engineer. Pettigrew is also a volunteer firefighter with the Central Callaway Fire Protection District.
He grew up in Summitville, Indiana, and moved to Fulton in 2007. Pettigrew was working out at the YMCA of Callaway County when he became friends with Kevin Coffelt, who is now the Fulton fire chief. Coffelt convinced Pettigrew to stop by the department and give firefighting a try, and he has been there ever since.
Pettigrew and his wife, Casey Clevenger, have one daughter.
Q: What was your first job?
Working at an RCA TV factory in Marion, Indiana. It paid well, but it was repetitive work, and I wasn't a fan of that style of work. I wanted something else.
Q: Who inspires you most?
My wife. She is a hard worker and has good morals and integrity.
Q: What have you done in your life that has been the most fulfilling?
Becoming a firefighter and helping the citizens of Fulton and Callaway County. We go out on a lot of medical calls and help people with their needs. We also cover structure fires and accidents - people are having their worst days and we try to make it better.
I also have a passion for training new firefighters and mentoring others to become better firefighters.
Q: What is something you are proud of that you have been recognized for?
My passion to teach fire attack principles and practices - I've brought a lot to this department (in that regard)."
Q: If you can do any job in the world, what would it be?
There's no other job I would rather have than being a firefighter, period. I'm all in - I love my craft.
Q: What is a job you wouldn't want to do?
I don't know if there is one. If there was a job that was needed, I would embrace it and do the best that I could.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Callaway County?
I've lived in large cities and I grew up in a small town. I'm glad to be back in a small town. People are more friendly in small towns and Callaway County fits into that category.