Family Tradition: three generations of Dickinson family serve as firefighters

DICKINSON, N.D. (KFYR) - This time of year, we hear a lot about family traditions.

But this story is about a different kind of family tradition, one that involves taking risks to keep the community safe.

For generations, the Canode family has made firefighting their family tradition.

Barb Canode has waited for a ride in the bucket of a ladder truck her entire life.

What makes this even more special: Barb is with her grandkids, Brooke and Jesse.

Both Brooke and Jesse are firefighters with the Dickinson Fire Department.

Jesse started his career at age 18, as a volunteer with Dickinson Rural Fire.

“Every day is exciting. It’s always something new,” said Jesse.

It seems this exciting career runs in the Canode family’s blood.

Brooke and Jesse’s dad Chad Canode has been a volunteer firefighter for nearly four decades.

“Haven’t looked back. I’d grown up around the people in the fire hall, so I just knew everybody, and it was just kind of a natural thing to do,” said Chad.

“My ex-father-in-law was a firefighter, as my ex-husband was. And then my current husband, who is now deceased, was on the department as well. And then three or four of us women joined the Gladstone fire department,” said Barb.

Back then, Barb was one of only a few female firefighters.

“It was a challenge,” she admitted.

She didn’t know it then, but Barb was paving the way for her granddaughter.

“I wanted to serve the community and protect people,” said Brooke.

Brooke has been a full-time firefighter on the Dickinson Fire Department since March, working alongside her brother.

“She’s my baby sister. I don’t want her to get hurt or anything like that,” Jesse said.

Now, seeing how good she is at this job, Jesse and the rest of the firefighting Canode family can’t hide their pride.

“I am proud beyond words,” said Barb.

Brooke says some highlights of her career so far include going inside a burning building and training with her brother and her dad.