A Local Firefighter Rock Band You Should Hear

WSCFF members somehow started a band amid the busyness of life. They didn’t expect how much they’d need it and the behavioral health benefits that they get from it.

In Cameo is an acoustic rock band made up of three members of L468 Olympia. It’s become more than a creative outlet; it’s a way for three friends to unplug from the fire service and do something completely different from the work. And they sound good, too!

Meet the Band

Patrick Juhasz: guitar, harmonica, songwriting. Patrick is the founding member of the band. Drawn to the fire service as a young adult, he’s also drawn to community involvement, growth, and challenges. He’s a Lieutenant and an instructor at a regional pump operator academy. He’s developed training curriculum and assists with department GI Bill qualifications.

Dustin Howard: percussion, backup vocals. Dustin is a Lieutenant who started his firefighting career in the U.S. Air Force. At Olympia Fire, he has been a live fire instructor, worked on the Peer Support and Peer Fitness teams, and served as a member of the Truck Company. His grandfather was a firefighter with LA County Fire for 30 years, retiring around the time Dustin was born, and Dustin grew up on his stories and toy fire trucks — a calling that developed further in high school.

Jordan Wernet: vocals. Jordan is a newly promoted Lieutenant and has worked on the Truck company, been a member of the Thurston County Special Operations Rescue Team (SORT), instructed at regional recruit academies and other specialized training events, and been an active member of the department’s Peer Support team. Growing up around the fire service and a lifetime of team sports drew him to the job’s culture of family, tradition, and teamwork.

All three members co-write original songs and develop arrangements for covers.

“The product is a complete collaborative effort. What started asan idea to make music together has developed into a successful endeavor for all of us. Our vision is to make music ‘by friends, for friends’ and we have worked hard to stick to that!

How has playing music helped you deal with the weight of the work you experience as first responders?

“All first responders carry weight from this job, whether it be specific impacts of calls or just the physical, mental, and psychological toll of the career. We are no exception. The ability to come together outside of work and be creative has been a huge benefit to all our mental health. It gives us a chance to be together and laugh, jam, or vent about the job. It also provides a chance to do something completely unrelated to the fire service and express our thoughts and emotions musically. It’s been a healthy form of escapism for us!”

Is there something about music that allows conversations or processing that might not happen around the table at the station?

“When we meet up for practice, it gives us an environment to decompress, discuss work-related things or whatever is on our minds, and freedom to get lost in the music and the creative process. While the kitchen table at the station is a great place to enjoy conversations, it still has the restrictions of a normal professional environment.

“We often reflect on how fortunate we feel to be a part of this band. It’s not lost on us that not many people get to do something so fun and rewarding. It has led us to cope better with the stressors of work and home because it provides a guaranteed healthy outlet. Our songwriting often touches on deep topics, so the process also allows us to open up and reflect on real issues and subjects. While there are certainly components that are challenging, the benefits far outweigh any downsides.”

For members who might not talk openly about mental health, what would you say about finding an outlet like this?

“We are huge advocates of finding outlets that allow firefighters and other first responders to cope with the mental health struggles associated with the jobs. We have found the band to be beneficial because it is not associated with the job and is communal in nature. This disconnect prevents the job from overwhelming the hobby or activity. While the band and music have been great for us, this could easily be meeting up to camp, play pickleball, or any other healthy group activity . Having something that forces the activity to continue (like us with practice and gigs) is an additional benefit because it helps ensure that it happens regularly.”

Are there any parallels between being in a band and being a firefighter?

“There actually are several similarities between being a firefighter and playing in a band. One is the teamwork component. Just like on the fire ground or during an emergency, we are reliant on each other to make the music work. Preparation is also extremely important in both activities. The band provides a sense of camaraderie and shared challenges and successes like those found in the fire service. While they both come with their difficulties, they are also both extremely enjoyable and we feel fortunate to get the opportunity to do both!”

Has making music together strengthened your connection with union members and/or firefighters?

“”Our union siblings show us nothing but support. They show up to gigs, let us practice songs for them, and promote us as a band. This love has been a huge reason why we’ve been able to grow beyond just playing for friends and family. We owe a lot to that support specifically.”

We often play at firefighter get-togethers, and anytime the word gets around our affiliation, we get extra support from fellow firefighters and union members. As our Local’s non-profit gets rolling, we would also love to work together to bring in some funding for its community support efforts.”

Does this space allow you to show a different side of yourselves than what people typically see in uniform?

“Our music provides us with an opportunity to do something completely outside of the typical image of firefighters. We don’t advertise what our day-jobs are when we perform or otherwise work as In Cameo. People are typically surprised when it comes up. Our music is very introspective and touches on deep subject matters, which are not things often associated with the fire service. It allows us to just be ourselves and share our message without the stigma of the uniform.”

In your view, how important is it that our union culture supports connection outside of calls and contracts?

“Our union, from the IAFF to the WSCFF and our local, have been huge advocates for connections that promote mental health. The changes and discussion around this topic just in our careers have been amazing to see. Hopefully our story is a small example of how this concept can work.”

What does it mean to you to be WSCFF members supporting each other in a different way?

“We feel so fortunate to be members of the WSCFF. The State Council works extremely hard on our behalf, specifically when it comes to physical and mental health. Being able to have this outlet, in part because of the work of the Council, has helped us develop a healthy outlet and hopefully can act as an example of finding ways to improve mental health.”

If another local wanted to start something similar, what would you tell them?

“Our advice would be to take the risk and stick with it even if it is tough at first. It’s worth it in the end!”

At the end of the day, what has this band given you, and what lessons have you learned?

“This band has given us more than we ever imagined. It has allowed us the freedom to express ourselves and be creative through music, a healthy means of detaching from and working through some of the tough aspects of the job, and an opportunity to be together and share unique and awesome experiences. The lessons we have learned about sticking with something, not being afraid to put ourselves out there, and forming strong relationships in the process will be carried by all of us forever.”

Where to Find the Band

In Cameo can be found playing around the South Puget Sound area. They’re available for public and private gigs and are always looking for new opportunities to share their music.

Website: incameoband.com
Email for booking or other inquiries:
Social media: facebook.com/incameoband, instagram.com/incameoband · youtube.com/@incameoband
Streaming: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc.