I volunteer in my community as a firefighter because I want to protect my neighbors and give service to others.  I  have been serving for over 30 years.

- Al, 54 - Baptist Ridge VFD

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I have always volunteered in different areas, school, church or other organizations. When we moved to East Clay area we wanted to help the efforts to have a viable volunteer fire department for our community. I'm excited to be involved as secretary/treasurer helping a great group of firefighters and members. I volunteer because it's important to be part of our community.
- Jerri, 66 - East Clay VFD

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I volunteer because of further endeavors in emergency services. 
- Kyle, 24 - East 52 VFD and Celina VFD

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My dad was a volunteer firefighter when I was a kid in New Mexico, and I would play in his turn out gear.  When he would get called out, me and my brother would watch the fire truck go by.   I wanted to be a fire fighter to help the people in need, so when I was 18 I joined and have been doing it ever since then. 

- Kirk, 34 - East 52 VFD 

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I volunteer because if I don't then who will. It's just part of how I am wired.
- Jim, 58 - East Clay VFD

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I started at our fire department because of my uncle.   He served for many years in a volunteer fire department in Alabama and thought it was cool. So, when I became 16 I joined at Hermitage Springs FD. After a few years I realized why he done it so many years. Not everybody can say they have been in a life or death situation but as a volunteer firefighter you can, and the first time it happened to me I felt proud to know I helped to save a life. That is why 22 years later I am still Volunteering to help safe lives and protect and serve my community.

- Jamey, 38 - Hermitage Springs VFD

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I volunteer because I care. 
- Chris, 22 - East 52 VFD and Celina VFD

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I first joined the fire department to spend time with my boyfriend (who is now my husband).  He was very passionate about his hobby, and I wanted to be involved.  It did not take long for me to be passionate about it, too.  It is a very challenging, yet enjoyable experience.  We are working with very limited funding and many of our neighbors cannot afford to donate to the cause.  The limited resources can be frustrating, but it is very rewarding when one of our "outside of the box" ideas actually work.  For a few years, I only helped with fundraisers, cleaning the building, and administrative tasks, which are very important, too.  When I got into firefighting, I was once again hooked.  Over the years, I have met many friends that I would not have met otherwise.  My husband and I are now at an age where we can lead by example to the younger members, which is also a very rewarding experience.  Since my husband and I were involved with East 52 VFD from the beginning before the building was even built, we hope to be a part of it as long as we are able to help.
 - Heather, 35 - East 52 VFD

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