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It Runs in the Family: Father and Son Carry a Family Tradition of Serving as Volunteer Firefighters

Carrying on a tradition that spans four generations, Enterprise Fire Company Lieutenant Chuck Jones Jr. and his 22-year-old son, Charles Jones III, are protecting their community together as volunteer firefighters. Chuck has been a volunteer for 35 years, getting his start as a junior firefighter. Chuck’s wife, Alison, and he have three children: twins Chad and Stephanie, and Charles. Charles …

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250 Strong: Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Signed Declaration to Recruit 250 Volunteer Firefighters

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association is celebrating with a lifesaving initiative. Over 80 Montgomery County fire companies have set a goal to collectively recruit 250 new volunteer firefighters by the end of 2027. Just like our Nation’s founders affirmed their commitment via the signing of a Declaration 250 years ago, fire chiefs from …

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Volunteer Voices: Mother’s Day Spotlight, Angelina Banks

Angelina Banks is a full-time mother of two, but she still finds time to be a dedicated, steady presence behind the scenes at her local Montgomery County fire company, Wyndmoor Hose Company No. 1. As an administrative member assisting with the community car show to aiding station outreach, proving that volunteering can fit into a busy family life. For Angelina, the …

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Volunteer Voices: Sean Gisonda

Sean Gisonda was in fifth grade, attending his local Catholic school in Staten Island on September 11, 2001, when two planes struck the Twin Towers. That day began his deep respect for firefighters. Fast forward to 2020, he realized some firefighters were volunteers and he could become one. “In 2020, my wife and I moved to Montgomery County and went …

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Fire Prevention Week Safety Resources

Charge into Fire Safety: 3 Steps Buy only listed products.  When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new …

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Volunteer Voices: Cody and Austin Belmont

Chief at Pennsburg Fire Company No. 1, Cody Belmont, has been a volunteer firefighter in Montgomery County for 21 years. His son Austin started volunteering two years ago as a junior firefighter. “Seeing Austin start where I started brings back so many memories,” said Cody. “I love being able to teach him everything I’ve learned and watch him grow.” Volunteering …

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Volunteer Voices: Sam Martino

For Sam Martino, the path to becoming a firefighter was a long-held dream that he acted on in November 2024 when he signed up to volunteer with Bridgeport Fire Company. Through his job at Servpro, Sam frequently interacts with fire companies, sparking his interest in learning more. He spoke with volunteers at a Montgomery County firefighters fundraising event and asked …

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Volunteer Voices: Don and Donna Lepp

Don Lepp has dedicated over 51 years to serving as a volunteer firefighter—a commitment now shared by his daughter, Donna. As a teenager, Don volunteered as a dispatcher for a local ambulance company as a part of his Eagle Scout project. He also had two uncles who were firefighters in Philadelphia. “When I got married and moved to Montgomery County, …

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Inspired by Dad: Volunteer Firefighting Runs in Montgomery County Families

In many Montgomery County families, volunteer firefighting is a shared passion, passed down from father to child. These firefighting fathers are inspiring a new generation to give back to their community. Those interested in volunteering with their local fire company can visit www.montcofirefighters.org for more information. Peter Thompson and his Son Tristan Prove There’s No Time Like the Present to Give Back …