01/26/2026
Meet your Firefighter!
Name: Nick Dystra
Rank: Deputy District Chief
Station: Station 2 – Burdett
Length of Service: 18-19 Years
I joined the fire service because… the Burdett department had a campaign for a call out for community people to join. My wife and I had just recently moved back from Lethbridge, and I was looking for a way I could be more involved with the community. I showed up to one practice, and I was hooked ever since. The longer I’ve been on the department the more I have enjoyed the comradery between all the members, and the relationships I have built while taking the offered training courses. As the days have turned to years the reason stays the same, but it also changes to, "that I want to be involved in the community, but what can I do to help my community?"
I stayed because… of the friendships made, memories made, and the lifelong learning that never stops and always changes. Always something new around each bend. The challenge of each situation is always changing to push myself and my thought process to accomplish the task at hand.
One thing I didn't expect about the fire service… how my perspective has changed. You see people on their worst days, but when they see us roll up, relief fills them and I can’t help to think that just by showing up, it gives them hope.
Outside the fire service… I am a husband to my lovely wife Karyn and a dad to three kids: Issy, Logan, and Nolan. I farm during spring through fall and work during the winter at a local feedlot. I’m a 4-H leader in our local 4-H club helping with the turf grass (racing mower) members. In my spare time I like to collect and build Lego.