Martinez Firefighter Defies All Odds

Martinez, GA—David Pouler, Martinez-Columbia Firefighter: “I don’t sit there and advertise it, or anything. I’m just doing what I want to do.”

When you look at David Pouler, you would never know. But, look under this Martinez firefighter’s boot, and you’ll see his secret.

Pouler: “It was April 26, 1996. I remember the date. The train was going fast enough to suck me under and throw me out.”

Pouler had tripped running alongside some train tracks, his leg was cut off.

Pouler: “At that time, the main thing I wanted to do was play football.”

He did more. He started his senior year, then became a firefighter. Now, he’s one of only a few other amputees in the country who are in his line of work.

Captain Ray Blessing, Martinez-Columbia Fire Department: “David has proven, without a doubt, that he can do the job. He’s an inspiration to all of us.”

Captain Ray Blessing works side by side with Pouler.

Capt. Blessing: “It doesn’t take long getting to know David that you realize, you know, you’re probably the one with the handicap and not him.”

Pouler: “I press this button here, releases the locking mechanism, which is right here, and if you here that click in there, it clicks directly into that leg.”

And how about that leg art?

Pouler: “Every leg I’ve gotten, I’ve put some kind of design or something on there.”

Pouler says, for the past 13 years, he’s face a lot of challenges, but says he never gave up, and thanks to his fire department, never will.

Pouler: “From every chief to every captain, to volunteers, who’s believed in me and given me a chance. I couldn’t have done it without their support, along with my family.”

Pouler says his dream was always to be in the military to help others. He says being a firefighter was the next best thing.