Morning Journal/Stephanie Ujhelyi
Almost 20 years after 9/11, Justin Masters finds himself on the front lines of firefighting with Glenmoor Volunteer Fire Department, after dropping more than half of his body weight. He is now the department’s fitness coordinator and does a weekly podcast centered around achieving personal and fitness goals.
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GLENMOOR — Justin Masters was 11 years old when those hijacked airliners hit the World Trade Center and Pentagon on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, killing almost 3,000 and injuring 25,000 people.
The heroism of those First Responders inspired him to want to try and help people; however, at 526 lbs., his weight would temporarily hinder him from pursuing a career in the fire service.
These days, Masters not only is a firefighter with Glenmoor Volunteer Fire Department but probably in the best condition of his life.
The 2008 Beaver Local High School graduate lost 226 pounds and decided to revisit his dream at the urging of his wife.
Driving truck for Elite Gasfield Services in Midland, Masters walked into the Glenmoor fire station one Thursday night, when the department’s volunteers gather for its weekly training and talked to Fire Chief Bill Bennett. After speaking to Bennett and filling out an application, he said that he left that night with turnout gear hanging on the wall and hasn’t been disappointed since.
Every call, every training helps him to fulfill his need to aid people. Masters acknowledges. “It is definitely fulfilling, and I wish I would have done it 15 years ago.”
Masters is now Glenmoor Volunteer Fire Department’s fitness coordinator.
He and his wife Shea, who is a nurse in Boardman, have a 7-month-old infant daughter, Sutton. That quest to be a father was a big part of his decision to lose the weight. “I wanted to assure that I could be part of my baby’s life, and not just be an ornament,” he added.”
Although firefighting, family and fitness keeps him busy, Masters also finds time to do a weekly podcast, Chasing Dreams, with his fitness coach Charlie Dolnosich. The duo discusses achieving goals whether they are fitness-related or success. Masters explains that their guests have achieved their own level, and the podcast leads their listeners through the guests’ experiences of achieving that success.
The department will be doing a stair climb on Sunday morning in commemoration of 9/11 at Beaver Local High School. “I am hoping to eventually grow the effort to help collect money to benefit 9/11 survivors’ families,” Masters concluded.
To become a volunteer firefighter with Glenmoor, call 330-386-5619.
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