VOLUNTEER
Voices


“I have met a good group of people and we have become close friends.
-Michael Helensky, Firefighter for 26 years
If you are looking for a place to volunteer for your community, the fire company is your place. There is plenty to do for everyone – not only firefighting or EMS. You become family.
– Karen Reinhart, Company Vice President, volunteer paramedic for 25+ years
The benefits and personal satisfaction you get from volunteering gives a sense of belonging and friendship that can last a lifetime.
-Gary H. Culler, Chief Engineer volunteer firefighter since 1991
I want to help as many people as possible in their time of need. I have gained experience which has helped in my career in the fire and EMS service. Volunteering is life-changing.
-Charles W. Gardner, Firefighter for 48 years
I volunteer to help my community and keep everyone safe. I have learned a lot from trainers and other personnel from the firehouse.
-Scott Stoltzfus. Perryville firefighter for five years.
My family was involved with the fire company as I was growing up. Seeing how they enjoyed helping people, I decided to join at 16 as a junior firefighter. You can make a difference in someone’s life, and it could even be a loved one.
-Brenda Buchanan, 28+ year volunteer. Fire Police Captain and former junior firefighter, firefighter, and EMT.
It is rewarding to assist the public and have the camaraderie with each other.
-Terri L. Grove, non-emergency volunteer for 25+ years
I love taking care of people so I became an EMT. The fire company is like a family.
-Karen Jones, EMT and non-emergency volunteer for 29 years.
I was bred into the fire service. All of my family was in the fire services. I reach out and volunteer all the time and help people in need.
-Paul Frazier, President and firefighter for 45 years
When I was 13, I saw the fire company in action at a fire behind my home. That pushed me to join at 16. I started as a volunteer and it has helped me become a career firefighter. What would happen if you called 911 and no one showed up? We need your help in any way you can.
-Christopher Culler, Assistant Chief, firefighter and EMT for 34+ years
There is nothing more rewarding than saving a life, being there to help when someone is having their worst day and knowing you can make a difference.
-Bradley Willis, Perryville Fire Chief and volunteer firefighter for 32 years
I volunteer because I like serving the community.
--Christian Riale, junior firefighter for one year
I grew up watching my dad and three other family members doing this so I wanted to do it, too. It has given me a lot of training that has helped in my job, and dealing with high stress situations has become much easier.
--Chelsea McKinney, firefighter and EMT for 8 years
It’s a joy to help keep my community safe and I found a whole second family to hang out with.
-Harold Riale Jr, Fire Captain and firefighter for 35 years
I have met other first responders from all over the surrounding area and the USA. I have helped friends, family, and strangers. I have taken numerous classes, which helped me turn my knowledge, skills, and abilities into a career. And this is how I met my wife.
-Shawn Buchanan, firefighter/EMT and fire police, volunteer for 29 years.