From fighting fires to staring down bulls

Dennis Halstead (Dynamic Photography)

After a thirty year career with the Calgary Fire Department, Dennis Halstead hung up his helmet but his post-firefighting days have not been quietly spent out to pasture.

Dennis continues to put his life on the line in his second career as a rodeo clown and bull fighter. The former CFD member excels in the rodeo arena and ranks in North America’s top five rodeo clowns despite the fact his introduction to the sport was as a stopgap.

“Calgary police and Calgary fire, about 17 years ago had a charity rodeo they used to put on every year for charity,” recollects Dennis. “I was at a meeting the week before and they had a big name scheduled to fight bulls and clown it and he never showed up, he backed out on them.”

“I just happened to be at the meeting and said I'll do it.”

While employed as a firefighter, Dennis’ love for rodeo clowning grew but it was only after he stepped away from the department that he was able to commit sufficient time to the craft.

For rodeo fans, Dennis’ efforts add comedic relief to the day’s events. For fallen bull riders, Dennis provides precious seconds to allow a prone cowboy an opportunity to escape serious injury at the hands of a 900 kilogram animal.

Dennis’ contributions have not been limited to his fire department and rodeo service. The rodeo clown spearheaded a spontaneous fundraiser for the victims of the 2013 flooding of the town of High River. During a radio appearance, Dennis turned the ribbing of morning show anchor Jody Seeley into a cash cow.

“I ended up asking the listeners if they wanted to see Jody in a barrel and we could raise some money for the flood relief,” said Dennis. “It started as a joke and, next thing, we had $12,000 and she couldn't bail.”

Jody was a good sport and did step into the ring with a bull during a rodeo in High River. Despite the fact Dennis was responsible for her rodeo debut, Jody continues to hold him in high regard.

“I find everything about Dennis inspiring,” said Jody. “He has just got the biggest heart of anyone that I've ever met in my life. He likes to portray being a silly goof. I guess it's the clown thing. At the end of the day if you ask him for something, he's there to help.”

Even though he's highly ranked as a rodeo clown, Dennis continues to work rodeos in small communities.

“I think that's back to my fire department (time) and where I was raised in Okotoks,” said Dennis. “It's community and it's helping and giving back to our community.”

For using his job to make fans laugh, keep bull riders safe and help communities, Dennis Halstead is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.

With files from CTV's Darrel Janz