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 …
Volunteer Voices: Rachel Weiner
Rachel Weiner, Captain of Fire Department of Montgomery Township, started volunteering in March 2014 as a junior firefighter. “Since the day I joined, I’ve learned and trained hard. I went through fire school to obtain Firefighter I and from there, I never stopped learning,” said Rachel. On top of her Firefighter I certificate, Rachel has her Firefighter II, and has …
Volunteer Voices: Scott Vanina
Scott Vanina always had a desire and passion to help others. Twelve years ago when he moved from Minnesota to Pennsylvania, he started looking for a new way to connect with his community. Not too long after, he found a second family at Limerick Fire Department. “As a Sports Chiropractic Doctor, I’ve always run toward those who need help,” said …
Volunteer Voices: Jack Gannone
At 3 years-old, Jack Gannone knew his local fire station like the back of his hand. Growing up in Lafayette Hill, Jack visited Barren Hill Fire Company almost weekly with his mom. “In his childhood years, we used to joke that Jack knew more about our company and apparatus, at 8 years old, than some of our members,” said Barren …
Volunteer Voices: Micah Moono
Recent national news about California wildfires inspired Micah Moono to research firefighting. After delving deeper into his research, he found the Montgomery County fire chiefs’ website, www.montcofirefighters.org, which answered his questions about volunteering with his local fire company. “I began reading more local news sources about volunteer firefighters and that made me realize the urgency, especially in Pennsylvania,” said Moono. …