By Kristen Levine, Reporter
Firefighter Robert Nickerson has worked with Sterling since 1994, but now he is starting as a full-time member of the crew.
“I started as a call EMT,” he said. “I’ve been in Sterling 28 years providing EMS (Emergency Medical Services). In 2000 I went back to become a paramedic, and in 2001 I went to be a certified firefighter for Sterling.”
Nickerson worked as a call firefighter and paramedic for three years before being tapped by the Holden Fire Department, where he was a full-time firefighter while working on-call for Sterling.
“I had an opportunity to join the Holden department, and then I went to the [Massachusetts Firefighting] Academy in Stow to obtain a career certification as a firefighter,” he said.
Not satisfied to stop there with his training and certifications, Nickerson went on to become a certified rescue diver as well as a fire and explosion investigator. Rescue divers specialize in rescues, salvage, and recovery, while fire and explosion investigators seek out the causes of fires, including determining if they are accidental or intentional blazes.
Nickerson’s history as a rescue diver began with recreational diving experience and moved on to a more official capacity. Training at Dive Rescue International in Colorado, Nickerson was officially certified in rescue diving and has become Sterling Fire’s resident divemaster.
Coming into Sterling full-time has been a comfortable move for Nickerson. Years of on-call work for the Town have transitioned into a full-time position with the department, letting the Sterling resident continue to serve the community.
“I always liked working in town,” he said. “I believe in giving back to the town you live in.”
COURTESY: Robert Nickerson