Profile in Compassion: Jay Leighton

We feature a ‘Profile in Compassion’ to highlight the knowledge, leadership, and lived experience within firewood banks. These stories remind us that the strength of this movement comes directly from the people who build and sustain it. This month we feature Jay Leighton, the Fuels Technician and Equipment Operator for the Nez Perce Tribe Forestry and Fire Management's Senior Firewood Program, based in Lapwai, Idaho. Please feel free to suggest the next one!

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What is your occupation and background/relation within the community?

Jay Leighton

I have worked for the Nez Perce Tribe for the past eight years as a Fuels Technician II and equipment operator. I was born and raised in Lapwai and continue to live on the Nez Perce Reservation. Being from this community gives me a strong personal connection to the work I do and the people we serve.

What made you want to work at your firewood program?

Growing up, caring for and helping our elders was something that was strongly emphasized and taught to us from a young age. When I first learned about the firewood program, I felt it was one of the best ways to give back. Processing and delivering firewood each year allows me to directly support our elders in a meaningful way.

Processing firewood at the woodlot.

What motivates your work?

Having a warm home is something many people take for granted. Not everyone has access to electric heat, not everyone is physically able to gather their own firewood, and unfortunately, not everyone has family who can help. These are our people, our elders, and that reality is what motivates us to ensure they stay warm through the winter.

What's your favorite story related to firewood bank work?

One of my favorite stories is probably when Riston [Lead Engine Operator at Nez Perce Tribe] caught on fire. With us working out in the elements all day, we have plenty of scrap wood lying around. We like to keep a fire going to stay warm and also to keep a clean area. One cold morning Riston was standing with his back to the fire and got a little too close. I noticed the bottom of Riston’s pants were on fire. I said, “Riston, you are on fire!” He looked at me as if I was joking. I screamed again, “Riston, your leg is on fire!!” At that moment he must have felt the heat. In a panic he began to do his best traditional dance moves and got the flame out with no damage to his skin, only good laughs and a burnt pant leg.

Note: AGH always supports PPE at the wood lot, however, our required PPE doesn't include flame resistant (FR) base layers. Consider investing in FR PPE and fire extinguishers at your wood lot, just in case!

Delivery!

What's a piece of advice/words of wisdom you have for other people working/volunteering at firewood banks?

If I could give any advice to others working at firewood banks it would be to remember who you are working for, remember the cause and the need for what we are doing.