Growing up, Ian Tregle always felt drawn to fire trucks.
“I wanted to be on them, I wanted to drive them,” Tregle said.
It’s partially why, at the age of 17 – as soon as his parents would allow – he began volunteering with the Des Allemands Volunteer Fire Department.
He also wanted to show that he could – for those who might not have thought he could, and for those who he might inspire in the future.
Tregle has cerebral palsy. He also refuses to let that hold him back.
“I like helping people out,” Tregle said. “And I don’t want to be tied down just because of a disability.”
Tregle and his wife Annabelle both volunteer with the department. Following their wedding, he stepped away from firefighting as life got busier. But he couldn’t stay away forever – that sabbatical lasted for about two years before he joined back on.
“I just enjoy the camaraderie and being around people who have kind of got the same mindset,” Tregle said. “Everybody’s just there to help. It’s satisfying to know that you make a difference.”
The lifelong Des Allemands resident’s mindset is a big part of his success in life. He likes to keep a positive outlook – he’s quick to note that even when it concerns his disability, he finds himself fortunate.
It’s estimated that about one in three people with cerebral palsy is unable to walk independently. And when Tregle was born, doctors indeed told his parents he would never be able to walk.
He beat those odds.
“God blessed me to where I’m not paralyzed or in a wheelchair … I’m blessed with the ability to walk. I try to do what everyone else does. The only thing I have is a stutter and a little bit of a limp, and I can’t use my left hand that well. But other than that, I’m 100 percent normal,” Tregle said.
In addition to serving his community as a firefighter, he hopes to serve as an inspiration.
“I hope others who are like myself see what I’m doing and try to do the things they want to do, but maybe think they can’t because of a disability,” Tregle said.
Aaron Heller of On Scene Training Associates, which trains firefighters, believes Tregle is indeed an inspiration. He took to Facebook last week after meeting the Tregles at a training event.
“He and his fantastic wife Annabelle are dedicated to their department, community, and honing their firefighting skills,” Heller said. “Our Firefighters Survival Program is no joke, but to watch Ian put in the work it takes for him to succeed in these conditions is nothing short of inspirational. Not only did we add new members to our family last weekend, we witnessed the definition of determination, devotion, and commitment.”
Des Allemands Fire Chief Brian Champagne said Tregle brings a strong spirit with him to their ranks.
“He’s a go-getter,” said Champagne. “He gives his all, 100 percent at whatever we ask and whatever he has in front of him. I have no complaints with Ian. We appreciate what he does for us.”
