Huntington’s most famous and influential citizen on sushi, sunsets and how fear is not a part of her life.
HQ 106 | SUMMER 2019
Fifteen years ago, Huntington Fire Chief Jan Rader may not have foreseen the challenges that Huntington would be facing amidst an opioid crisis, or the fact that she would become one of West Virginia’s key voices, shining a light of hope to a nation looking for answers. But that is what Rader has become, and in doing so she has become Huntington’s most influential and famous citizen.
In 2017, Rader became the state’s first professional female fire chief. That same year she was featured in the Oscar-nominated Netflix documentary Heroin(e). In 2018, she was recognized for her relentless and innovative work combating the opioid epidemic in West Virginia when she was named to the TIME 100 — a list of the 100 most influential people in the world. And as of July, her TED Talk had been viewed over 1.5 million times.
We asked this firefighter, nurse, leader and crusader to answer 20 Questions — a relatively new feature in the magazine intended to allow readers to better know and understand our region’s most prominent figures. Her answers didn’t disappoint.
HQ1 How would close friends describe you?
I think my friends would describe me as a positive person who is loyal, passionate and fun loving.
HQ2 What is something few people know about you?
I can ride a unicycle and juggle. When I was 11 years old, I found a unicycle in our garage that my parents had bought for my brother. I asked my mother if I could have it. She said, “Yes, your brother never learned to ride it.” Within a couple of days, I could ride it all the way around the neighborhood. Around that same time, I taught myself to juggle.
HQ3 What is your fondest childhood memory?
Trail rides with my sister, cousins, friends and Uncle Jimmy. Every Sunday after church during good weather, we would trail ride, mostly around Lake Vesuvius. Some of my greatest adventures were on those trail rides between ages 8 and 12.
HQ4 What is your greatest regret?
I’m not sure I can pinpoint a greatest regret, but I think Sheryl Crow has the best quote on the subject in her song entitled The Difficult Kind: “And there ain’t nothing like regret, to remind you you’re alive.”
HQ5 What is something you could talk about for hours?
Gemology!
HQ6 For the perfect meal, what would be on the menu?
Sushi! I think that I could eat sushi for every meal and be perfectly happy.
HQ7 What movie made you laugh the hardest?
A League of Their Own. I have been known to quote this movie frequently.
HQ8 Who is the one person, past or present, you would most like to meet?
Amelia Earhart. She followed her dreams in a fearless way and by doing so broke new ground for many women. I love her quote, “Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”
HQ9 What song moves you the most?
This is a tough question because I enjoy music. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow is definitely high on my list, as well as Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors and Mariah Carey’s Make It Happen.
HQ10 What are three books everyone should read?
The Bible, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, You’re More Powerful Than You Think by Eric Liu.
HQ11 If you had a day off from work, what would you do?
I would take my dogs and my partner hiking around Lake Vesuvius. The lake side trail is 8.3 miles all the way around. It makes for a great afternoon for clearing your head. And the best part is there is little to no cell service!
HQ12 If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Italy. I have friends and family that have visited and they rave about how wonderful it is.
HQ13 What irritates you the most?
Intolerance.
HQ14 What scares you the most?
Not much of anything scares me.
HQ15 What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?
I love sunsets. Some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen have been over the hills of West Virginia.
HQ16 What talent would you like to possess?
I would love to be able to play the violin.
HQ17 What do you like most about Huntington?
The warm and friendly people! There is no other place like it I have lived.
HQ18 What is your favorite spot in West Virginia?
There are so many wonderful spots in West Virginia, but my favorite is probably the New River Gorge.
HQ19 What brings you the most joy?
Family, friends and my dogs.
HQ20 How would you like to be remembered?
As a passionate person that left her world a little better than she found it.
