Add a Comment

Comment by Ed Mello on March 6, 2011 at 3:17pm

Thanks to all of you for your sacrifice and dedication

At age 66 I'm thinking about hanging up my helmet, but I just can't seem to reach the hook. I became a firefighter in 1963 and have been active ever since, with a short break to visit Viet Nam at Uncle Sam's request. I was the Chief of my VFD for some 20 years and was the Volunteer Coordinator of the 7 volunteer companies and paid fire department in our county. I was also an Adjunct Instructor for Virginia Fire Programs. A few months after spending a week at the Pentagon (starting on 9/11/01) I decided to "retire." And so I did. After moving to Canada I got involved with our local FD and became the Training Officer and then also the Safety Officer. If any of you have ideas on how to inspire new volunteer to follow our long paths please pass them on!

Comment by Jeff Fletcher on February 2, 2011 at 2:04pm

G'day all from Oz, I am 68, 69 this month and as of June 1 this year will have been active for 50 years. I was a Lt for quite a few years and Secretary of the Brigade. Currently I am Treasurer, voluntarily run a small business for the Brigade selling and servicing fire extinguishers and am the Fire Equipment Maintenance (FEM) Officer. Never regretted joining and have loved it all, and will hang up the boots when I can no longer hold my end up at a turn out.

Comment by Lyle Holland on February 2, 2011 at 1:33pm

Hi I 61 yr. old and have been a member of the Westfield Hook and Ladder Co. No.1 I'm a driver of our ladder truck, also a member of the Westfield Rescue Squad that does all the ems work in our village I'm an EMT over the yr's I have been Lt. and Capt of the rescue squad also Lt. and Capt of the Hook and Ladder co. and last yr. I finished being Chief of the Dept.

Comment by Bruce Hulsey on August 25, 2010 at 12:13pm

I'm 61 and still active. I have 37 years in the fire service as an engineer. I am the senior member of my department. Too stubborn to give it up. Gives me some exercise and keep the blood pumping when the tones drop.

Comment by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on June 18, 2009 at 8:01pm

I'm 55 and still alive! CB

Comment by Joe Stoltz on June 18, 2009 at 6:35pm

I'm over 55 but by only a few months. Still, I think I qualify. Hell, I was even offered early retirement last week!

I have 27 years in as a volunteer firefighter, serving the last 20 years as EMT-Basic as well. I have held the positions of Lieutenant, Captain, EMS Captain, President and Director. Presently I'm 1st Assistant Chief and may be elevated to Chief next year. We'll see.

Comment by DoubleH..Harry on May 28, 2009 at 2:37pm

Hi All
I've got 42 yrs in (32 active /10 inactive when it got too damn political) and many before I turned 18 because the town siren was on our house! Dad was chief in the 50's and we would take the firecalls and Mom would start a phone tree to notify the men.Served in most if not all positions including Chief,commissioner,EMT and presently am president and driver,gave up doing interior work a couple of yrs ago. SSTC Harry