Students hoping to find a new passion this school year just might draw some inspiration from Audrey Kerney. At just 14 years old, Kerney gained the skills and knowledge of fire safety at Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department as a junior firefighter. The Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association is happy to spotlight Kerney’s journey in hopes of getting teenagers to …
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 …
Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association honors female firefighters for International Women’s Day
Historically, firefighting has been a male-dominated field, but the number of female firefighters has been on a steady increase every year. According to Women in Fire, approximately 40,000 women in the United States are currently active in the volunteer fire service. Female firefighters are proving anyone can fight fires at their local fire company. For International Women’s Day, Montgomery County Fire …
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: Elaina Duke
Junior firefighter Elaina Duke volunteers at two Montgomery County fire stations, Upper Gwynedd Fire Department and Telford Fire Company. Elaina joined Telford Fire Company after attending its summer cadet program, a weeklong firefighter experience for youth ages 14 to 17. “By the first day I completely fell in love with firefighting and I knew I wanted to volunteer ever since,” …