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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Volunteer Voices: Joe and Dillon Stockert
Joe Stockert has been a volunteer firefighter at the Fairmount Fire Company for 43 years, serving 11 years as Chief and eight as Assistant Chief. Joe brought his son, Dillon, with him to the fire company ever since Dillon was a baby. “My dad is my hero,” said Dillon. “Even at Disney World, I’d proudly tell everyone he was the …
Volunteer Voices: Matt Kendall
In October 2023, Matt Kendall joined Collegeville Fire Company, and by June 2024, he successfully completed his Firefighter I course at Montgomery County Fire Academy. He learned about volunteer opportunities when he moved to the area, across the street from the fire station. “After a few weeks of hearing the house siren and the sound of fire trucks leaving, I …
Montgomery County fire companies’ fight to gain volunteers is ongoing battle
Montgomery County fire companies’ fight to gain volunteers is ongoing battle
Montgomery County fire companies’ fight to gain volunteers is ongoing battle
Via TheReporter While wildfires sweeping across southern California have drawn national headlines this winter, fire companies closer to home are facing some of the same challenges as their west coast counterparts. Local firefighters are looking for help from their communities so they can continue to do what they do best. “Volunteering is of course down. We’re at an all-time low …