Moorestown Fire Department Pays Tribute to Two Volunteer Firefighters

MOORESTOWN - Moorestown Fire Department volunteer firefighters Brian Hillers and Justin Harvey not only serve their community, they also serve their country in the U.S. military.

Moorestown Fire Department is proud to honor both volunteers for Veterans Day. Those inspired to join the fire service are encouraged to learn more or sign up at www.moorestownfirefighter.org.

Brian Hillers Uses his Background of Fire Training in the Military for the Good of his Community

After Brian Hillers heard his grandfather talk about his experiences in the Navy during WWII, he knew sitting at a desk was not a job requirement he wanted. Hillers enlisted in the Navy right after high school and continues to serve in the Navy Reserve as an Emergency Management Planner for the state of Kansas. One of the first things he learned in the Navy, and a key responsibility as a naval officer, was learning how to control fires.

“The skills and knowledge of a firefighter have been with me since I entered the Navy and started taking my classes 30 years ago,” said Hillers.

Little did he know that knowledge would be of great use to his local fire company. After recently moving to the neighborhood, he and his wife were walking around and bumped into firefighters from Moorestown Fire Department.

After one of his neighbors joked that Hillers knows how to put out a fire, a Moorestown firefighter chimed in and asked Hillers if he wanted to join. When asked what he would need to do, the crew replied, “Just show up.”

And that’s exactly what Hillers did. Hillers had a skill set the fire company could use, and it was an opportunity for him to meet new people having just moved to the area.

“The comradery is better than any paycheck can provide,” said Hillers. “Even when it’s a crazy week and I’m balancing my day job, the reserves, my family and drills that are required by the fire department, I want to do it because I’m doing it with people I enjoy.”

Although volunteers enjoy their time together and crack jokes, they are ready to respond at a moment’s notice. When the call comes in, they dive into action.

“Responding to an emergency fire call is similar to the military because we have our individual responsibilities, and a shared common goal: complete the mission,” said Hillers.

Hillers enjoys the adrenaline rush; however, not all volunteers have to run into burning buildings. Those interested in joining can help protect firefighters on the scene as fire police or help behind the scenes with fundraising as an administrative member.

Justin Harvey Serves at Moorestown Fire Department and in the New Jersey Army National Guard

First came the fire service, then the military service. Justin Harvey joined Moorestown Fire Department on September 11, 2011, after a friend convinced him to volunteer.

“At first I said ‘No way, I have no interest in running into a burning building,’” said Harvey. “I learned it’s so much more than that and they need more help than just running into buildings.”

Harvey had always wanted to go into the Army, but he didn’t enlist until he was 26 years old, four years after joining the fire department. Volunteering as a firefighter prepared Harvey for his experiences in the military.

"The fire department's rank system and chain of command are very similar to the military’s so that was something I was already accustomed to," Harvey explained. "I also learned the importance of relying on others."

Harvey overcame his dislike of team sports from his youth because, in both firefighting and the military, it’s important to trust others.

“Anytime that you are forced to entrust the people to the left and the right with your life, it builds a bond that I’ve only experienced in the military and fire ground,” said Harvey.

Throughout his time as a volunteer with Moorestown Fire Department, he’s made lifelong friendships and met people from all different walks of life.

“I love being able to give back to my community that helped raise me and afford me the opportunities in life that I’ve had,” said Harvey.

Moorestown Fire Department Actively Seeks Volunteers

Regardless of community members’ backgrounds, whether they have served in the military, have experience fighting fires or not, Moorestown Fire Department is seeking individuals to join its team.

“No experience is necessary to volunteer,” said Fire District Administrator Chris Chesner. “We provide training and gear at no cost to you.”

Those interested in serving the community can learn more about requirements and expectations or get connected with a member of the department at www.moorestownfirefighter.org.