For 10 years, Steve Moody thought about writing a book. It would be based on his 37-year career as a firefighter, paramedic and fire chief – and would also explore the hardships he went through as a child.
Five years ago, he started pursuing his dream and began spending many weekends at his computer.
“I had so many great experiences that I wanted to put them down before I lost all my memories. It was a slow process, but my son Matt helped me put it together,” says Steve, a resident at Good Samaritan Society – Wamego in Wamego, Kansas.
He and Matt self-published the 186-page book, “The Story of My Life: A Collection of Stories in the Life of a Fire Chief.” It became available in October 2024.
Book signing event
Angie Barber, administrator at Good Samaritan Society – Wamego, soon found out Steve was an author.
“He was pretty proud of his book, so he was showing it around and I asked him if I could buy the book. He told me how to purchase it and I said we should have a book signing. And it just kind of went off from there,” says Angie.
She organized a book signing event at the center on Oct. 4.
“It was a way to celebrate his hard work, share his story with others and give readers the opportunity to connect with him personally,” Angie says.
A full house came together in the family room at the center. The local fire department parked a fire truck outside and Steve was able to get into it, sit for a while and reminisce.
Steve’s wife, Rosie, and sons Weston and Matt attended the book signing, as well as friends, firefighters, staff members and local community members.
A table of memorabilia at the event showcased Steve’s long career, with special items including a shadow box containing one of his uniforms and a photo of him holding a young girl he had rescued.
Steve greeted guests and signed the books they purchased while talking about his career.
“It was great. I really enjoyed it. A highlight was having my family and some firemen I worked with come to it,” Steve says.
“The book signing was a wonderful success,” says Angie. “People were genuinely excited to celebrate Steve and have their copies signed. There was a warm, celebratory atmosphere – lots of smiles, conversations, and even a few emotional moments from Steve, staff members, family and friends. You could really feel the love for Steve and support in the room.”
Steve’s story
Steve was born and raised in Salina, Kansas. He was diagnosed with polio at a young age and his father died when he was 3 years old.
“I don’t remember him at all, but my Grandmother Moody was involved in my life and she told me about him,” says Steve.
Steve started dating his future wife, Rosie, when they were teenagers. They married in 1979. Steve first worked in construction.
“The work in the wintertime was slow, so I needed work. My neighbor was the fire chief and he talked me into applying for a job,” Steve says.
The rest is history. For about 25 years, he served at the Salina Fire Department. He then moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, and finished his career in El Dorado, Kansas, retiring in 2017.
Steve and Rosie have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. Baseball was a favorite activity for the family as Steve coached both of his sons.
His career accomplishments include directing the Stafford County Emergency Management team, directing the county emergency medical service, serving as fire chief, modernizing the department and writing a blog.
Read more about Steve in his book.
Recognizing residents’ accomplishments
Good Samaritan serves people who led full and wonderful lives. Although their bodies are getting older and their health might be changing, staff members support who they are and recognize all they’ve done.
“We get to know our residents and understand what gives them meaning. We empower them to stay involved and engaged, and give them something extra so they can truly enjoy their time with us,” Angie says.
Things like a book signing event are one way staff members help bring residents joy.
“You can tell that his book wasn't just a project for him. It reflects who he is and the journey he's taken. He is still telling his story; Steve will attend our safety meetings and participate in our emergency training. He still asks how he can help and what he can do,” says Angie.
