Graduating Seniors Find Value In Volunteer Firefighting Service During High School

LEESBURG, VA — Often times, volunteer firefighters and medics are neighbors who balance that service with their day jobs. In the case of three volunteer firefighters in Leesburg, their volunteering has happened in between their high school classes.

The Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company is recognizing three graduating high school seniors who are also active volunteer members — Sam Chapple, Giancarlo Tirado and Joey Kaul.

"On top of completing their studies within LCPS they are attending training and duty crew as well as public education and fundraising events to support LVFC," Brittany Papaleo, secretary at the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company, shared with Patch.

Tirado, a graduating Heritage High School senior, said he originally intended to join the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad but mistakenly ended up at the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company. But that mistake turned out to be a worthwhile opportunity.

"Crew 2 welcomed me with open arms and encouraged me to keep trying it out," Tirado told Patch. "Once I completed Fire School, I was hooked! My happy little accident ended up rewarding me greatly!"

Chapple, a graduating senior at Tuscarora High School, said he has always enjoyed helping others. His desire to help was heightened when his father died during Chapple's freshman year of high school.

"I spent a lot of time trying to be there for my mom and I felt good helping my family," Chapple shared with Patch. "I was passionate about helping others and I was intrigued with this line of work. So I signed up and ever since then I have loved every single bit of it. My crew has done amazing work to train and guide me, and because of them I can support and help my community, while also making my family proud."

Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company has been providing emergency response and fire protection services to the community through volunteers for 222 years. According to Papaleo, "members receive extensive training, build camaraderie, and gain valuable leadership skills—all while making a direct impact on public safety." Papaleo says residents of all kinds are welcome to serve as administrative or operational volunteers.

For more information on joining, visit leesburgfire.org or follow the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company Facebook for upcoming events.

Know a first responder — past or present — who’s making a difference in Leesburg or Loudoun County? We’d love to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.