Bloomington has its fair share of everyday heroes, but few embody the spirit of community service as fully as Dmitriy Yablochkin, a firefighter with nearly eight years under his belt. A profile recently published by the City of Bloomington introduced us to the life and motivations of this part-time Bloomington firefighter and full-time Burnsville firefighter/paramedic.
Yablochkin, an associate degree holder in fire science and a certified paramedic, transitioned to being a firefighter after a stint as an emergency room technician—a transition suggested by a friend who saw in him the making of a good firefighter. According to the interview, it's a role that Yablochkin has come to love for a variety of reasons, "Building a comradery with other firefighters, the ability to help someone having a really bad day, and the opportunity and the responsibility of having the younger generation look up to you," he told the City of Bloomington.
Acknowledging the behind-the-scenes support system enabling his career, Yablochkin credits his wife, Carolyn, for her substantial support. "Since the beginning, through my education and becoming a firefighter to this moment, she deserves the highest praise for managing home life during long, irregular hours and the unpredictable schedule," Yablochkin said, as per the City of Bloomington.
Off duty, Yablochkin’s is a life steeped in family. His two young sons, Ethan and Isaac, share moments with their father shooting a bow and playing soccer - the quintessential backyard antics of boys their age. And, as with any firefighter attuned to the dangers inherent in the day-to-day, Yablochkin has a piece of fire safety advice for the general public: "Remember to always be present when cooking," he advises.
