Highland Park firefighter outlines daily duties, warns residents not to overload outlets

Ryan Potter, a firefighter with the Highland Park Fire Department, described his station's daily routine and urged Highland Park residents to take simple precautions with space heaters and household electrical systems to reduce winter fire risks.

Potter said his shifts begin with a morning roll call and equipment checks. "First thing we do is roll call at 07:00, get our truck assignments, make sure our rigs are in working order, make sure all our tools, everything are ready to go, check our air packs, turn out gear," he said, adding that crews follow with housekeeping tasks and stand ready to respond to calls.

The emphasis, Potter said, is on readiness. "The biggest thing is making sure our equipment's in order for the fires that we fight, and just being ready to go on any calls that we do have," he said.

Potter used his remarks to issue a practical safety warning for the cold season: "Do not overload, outlets or the surge lines," he said, urging residents to avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet or surge protector. He noted that many older houses in the area have older electrical systems "just making sure that none of that is overloaded and cause a fire."

Potter also spoke about his decision to join the department, citing family members in the fire service and his experience moving from suburban departments. He said he joined Highland Park "about 3 and a half years ago" and praised the city's community spirit: "Everybody looks out for each other with the block clubs... They invite you like family."

The remarks combined a behind-the-scenes look at station routines with a public-safety reminder for residents to check electrical loads and exercise caution with space heaters.