The Volunteer

The smaller and more remote a community is, the more its residents rely on each other. For the 1,400 residents of Eureka, Nevada, Raine's Ace Hardware is a lifeline for essential tools, supplies, and equipment since the next closest store is almost 70 miles away.

Scott Raine, Owner of Raine's Ace Hardware, pulls double duty running the store and volunteering at the local fire department. Because Eureka is so remote, it's not unusual for most people to have many different roles.

"I look up to Scott a lot. We're side by side usually. I appreciate Scott's role in this fire department. He pushes everybody to do better," said Michael Allen, Carpenter and Firefighter.

The Eureka Volunteer Fire Department has a large group of individuals who are dedicated to serving the community. These individuals will drop what they are doing, even if they're at work, to jump into action and deal with the problem. Whether it's a fire, a chemical spill, or an accident scene, they're trained to take care of it.

"Everyone on the volunteer fire department accepts the risks," said Scott. "When things go bad, that's when you have to be at your best."

Steele Raines looks up to his dad Scott. He also looks forward to being a firefighter in the future.

"I want to join the fire department and go into the buildings with him, pull the hoses with him… do everything with him," said Steele.

"Helping people out at the store… if they're looking for something, we help them out," said Scott. "Same thing at the fire department. When somebody calls, we go out and help them out. Sometimes we save their property. Sometimes we save a life. People are always happy that you showed up."