Community Corner
Life As A Volunteer Firefighter: Service, Sacrifice & Teamwork
"Regardless of background, I think we all share a common desire to give back and help those in need," said Lieutenant Joseph Shields.
First responders are a vital part of our communities, keeping us safe and playing an integral role in daily life. Patch and T-Mobile have partnered on a Ride-Along series to showcase the important work these departments and individuals do every day.
We had the opportunity to speak with Lieutenant Joseph Shields, President of the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company (Moon Twp VFC) to learn more about the department, life as a firefighter and the impact of their work.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Can you tell us a bit about the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company?
Lt. Shields: The Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company has been a 100 percent volunteer fire company since our founding in 1934. Our company comprises four stations within Moon Township. We cover an area of approximately 24 square miles and 27,000 residents. Last year we responded to over 800 calls and this year we're on pace for over 1,000. We respond to all types of emergencies such as structure fires, hazmat incidents, vehicle accidents and gas leaks.
What does a typical day look like for a volunteer firefighter in Moon Township?
Lt. Shields: Our volunteers respond from home to one of our four stations. We respond at any moment when we get paged. Our volunteers may be leaving work, dinner with their family or getting up in the middle of the night to answer the call and assist someone in our community in their time of need.
What inspired you to get involved with the Moon Twp VFC?
Lt. Shields: I had prior experience in Fairfax, Virginia. When my family relocated back home to the Pittsburgh area, I wanted to continue my service and was fortunate enough to be able to continue that in Moon Township.
Many of our volunteers have family members in the department or in the fire service. Several of our members have been inspired to join as junior members while they were in high school. Others have come to us with no prior service, but a desire to help those in their communities. Regardless of background, I think we all share a common desire to give back and help those in need.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Moon Twp VFC?
Lt. Shields: The people. The fire service has become an extended family for many of us. We spend time outside of training and calls together. Our families have become close and we support each other.
I also love the teamwork. I played team sports growing up and when you stop, you miss being part of a group striving for a common goal. You find that teamwork, passion and camaraderie in the fire service and on the fire ground.
What advice would you offer to someone considering becoming a first responder?
Lt. Shields: Don't wait! Don't wait until tomorrow or next month or next year for life to settle down. Reach out to your local department and ask how you can get involved. Find out what the requirements are, what the time commitment is, and have an open conversation about how you can serve.
There are all kinds of opportunities to serve as a first responder and if you are considering it, then you owe it to yourself to explore that desire. We're all blessed with gifts we can use to make a meaningful, positive impact on our communities and someone's life. Don't wait to share them.
More About the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company
The Moon Twp VFC offers several ways for individuals to get involved and explore career opportunities, including:
- Volunteer Membership. All community members, whether they have firefighting experience are not, are invited to apply for membership. You must pass a background screening, live in close proximity to one of the Moon Twp VFC’s four fire stations, undergo training and have the time and willingness to respond to emergency calls.
- Junior Firefighter Program. Moon Area high school students ages 14 to 18 can apply to the fire company’s Junior Firefighter Program, which teaches youth important skills while helping the community. Applicants must have a parent or guardian’s permission to join and maintain good academic standing.
- Community Outreach Programs. The Moon Twp VFC’s community outreach programs include fire prevention classes, fire extinguisher training, station tours and a smoke detector program for township residents.
For more information, visit the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company’s website.
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