Charleston Firefighter on Living With Limb Loss and Taking Life One Step at a Time
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William McCallister carries on his family’s legacy by being a firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), but he’s charting his own course by doing so with a prosthetic leg.
McCallister has worn a prosthetic leg since having a part of his leg amputated when he was just nine months old. However, this hasn’t slowed him down. Instead, it’s fueled his determination to prove that no obstacle is too great to overcome. And he has shown this determination at such a young age; he has learned to hop before walking.
Growing up in Alum Creek, West Virginia, he immersed himself in sports, swiftly learning to tackle physical challenges. As he set his sights on his career aspirations, he recognized that becoming a firefighter with the Charleston Fire Department was an ideal match.
His initial step? Gaining the department's confidence in his abilities.
Before the test, McCallister notified the fire department about his circumstances. They assured him that if he passed the tests, he would be cleared to proceed.
And pass he did.
McCallister joined the Charleston Fire Department over a year ago and now proudly serves alongside his team. His partner, Quinton Teel, who has been with him since their training days, is well aware of McCallister’s commitment.
When the alarm sounds, McCallister uses a specialized prosthetic designed for high-impact tasks. This prosthetic is engineered for speed and durability, enabling him to act quickly and effectively on the job.
In an interview with WCHS Eyewitness News, McCallister shared that his specialized prosthetic leg is designed to rebound and support both running and walking. While he has had a few prostheses break over the years, the one he’s using now has been reliable.
Naturally, being a firefighter with a prosthetic limb presents its unique challenges. For instance, climbing ladders requires extra caution. But McCallister takes it “one rung at a time” and uses his sound side leg to push himself up.
Despite these difficulties, McCallister’s colleagues at Charleston Station 2 believe he fits in seamlessly.
In an interview with WCHS Eyewitness News, Teel said McCallister is just as capable as anyone else; he consistently performs his responsibilities exceptionally well. He also emphasized that McCallister plays a crucial role in the team’s success.
Looking to the future, McCallister intends to continue his firefighting career at the Charleston Fire Department for as long as possible. "I’m where I want to be,” he said.
McCallister motivates those facing hardships by reminding us that everyone has their own struggles. While the loss of a limb may be more visible than issues like diabetes or cancer, everyone ultimately has their own hurdles to overcome. The key is to discover a way to persevere, as giving up isn’t an option.
With determination and a strong commitment to serving others, McCallister exemplifies the belief that regardless of the challenges life presents, there is always a path to overcome them.
