Cole Masterson Tierney ‘20.5

City: Denver, Colorado

Tenure: 2016-2020

HFD ID: 386

Email: coletierney1@gmail.com

Number: (858) 829-3887

Linkedin: Cole Tierney

Bio: Cole works in sales and business operations for a data science and GIS start-up called UrbanFootprint. UrbanFootprint helps multi-stakeholders answer critical questions at the intersection of urban transformation, climate change, social equity, and community resilience. In addition to this, he and his family own and operate a land and sea farm in Northport, Maine. As Co-Founder and Apprentice Farmer, he focuses on their aquaculture operations. They currently grow and sell oysters and sugar kelp.

Cole’s work/life thesis: “I believe sustainability requires fostering collaboration, access to reliable data, and informed decision-makers to protect and restore our natural environments for future generations. I am energized by new solutions that bring our world closer to the equitable and sustainable future we need. In my free time, I like to play outside (surf, ski, fish, skate, soak up the rays), serve others (mentorship programs, community service, help a friend), and work on my hobbies (aquaculture, poetry, sewing, clothing design)”

Advice/Memory:

“My favorite memory from 2016/2017 was when our exterior fire instructor told us "you don't need to be rocket surgeons to get this stuff guys...". Hard to top that one. A close second was when we joined an interior class 3 weeks into their training. Upon showing up to our first class (at least a solid 10 minutes late), we learned we would be performing a live MADAY simulation in which we would be blindfolded and randomly slammed by and then pinned underneath a mattress until performing the right radio communications (which we had not yet learned). What a thrill.

In 2017/2018 I got a kidney stone while we were delivering Christmas goodie bags. Community Memorial didn't know what was going on and told me I might lose a testicle as the result of testicular torsion and that they would need to transfer me to Syracuse for treatment. Chief Murray came in as I began tearing up, naked, alone, and on a significant amount of painkillers, to ask me if I would be pursuing workers comp. I can't recall if I responded verbally. I do recall the feeling of a vague drugged frustration though.

A notable mention was the legendary roman candle war in the backyard of 14 pine. An excitable band of BDS brothers stood in the backyard giddy with awe and panic as we stood in opposing line formations launching fireworks at each other. Side note: I bet Caio Drivers' best memory was the truck stick he had on Caleb Goodie during our annual football in dresses / "drops" event on the same day.

In 2018/2019 I lived at 44 Newell. That should speak for itself.

In 2019/2020 I lived behind the Holcomb B&B and then at 125 Lebanon St. I have far too many late-night and early-morning memories. Early COVID was a hell of a time. Living close to the station makes all the difference.

My Advice:
- Introduce yourself (early and often) to everyone at the station. This includes anyone coming by the station briefly.
- Spend as much time at the station as possible (especially at night or on weekends - times when you won't be taking a more experienced seat).
- Go to pubs when you can. HFD is a community that you've committed to.
- Go to monthly meetings. They're hilarious and your absence is always noted.
- Go to training. Trust, respect, and value are developed in training.
- Remember that being a part of HFD is a privilege that has to be earned, continuously.
- You're not that cool and life isn't that serious. Be kind.“