MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Who says educators, sculptors, number crunchers or any type of professional cannot learn to save lives and help their communities as volunteers at their local fire company?
The Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association knows this to be true and is reinforcing its campaign tagline “Ordinary People, Trained for the Extraordinary,” by encouraging county residents to explore opportunities at their local fire companies now by visiting www.montcofirefighters.org
Here are some unique examples of professionals who have carved out time to help others.
Firefighter Matt Huber enjoys change of environment
Matt Huber, controller at JM Search and Certified Public Account, graduated from the Montgomery County Fire Academy with his Firefighter I Certificate in June of last year. A father of two daughters and one newborn son, he balances family, his career and volunteering at the Limerick Fire Department.
“It took some balancing but there’s a lot of teamwork with my wife and the department is super supportive,” said Huber. “If I can’t make a call while I’m at work, they’re very understanding and I try to make as many as possible after work and on the weekends.”
Limerick Fire Department asks its volunteers to respond to at least 20 percent of the calls, attend 50% of the trainings and attend six of the monthly meetings per year. As a very active fire department, Huber doesn’t have an issue making 20 percent of the calls.
“It’s nice to get away from the typical desk job and do something not only exciting but rewarding. It feels good knowing I’m helping my community,” said Huber.
Volunteer firefighters learn hands-on lifesaving skills through training at the Montgomery County Fire Academy and weekly training nights at their fire company.
“It’s a great culture and a lot of awesome people willing to teach you and show you the ropes,” said Huber. “We joke around with each other and bust each other’s chops but we all have fun.”
Prakash Bhuyan’s medical background was critical
Prakash Bhuyan, infectious diseases specialist and chief medical officer for a biotech company developing pandemic and epidemic countermeasures, added volunteer firefighter to his resume in 2017.
“I always had an interest in emergency response and I wanted to learn something relevant and more directly applicable to my community,” said Bhuyan.
Bhuyan didn’t know that his medical background would soon be critical to the safety of the fire company. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, his skill set helped sort through the rapidly evolving information.
“At the beginning, there was a lot of confusing and conflicting information from medical and scientific sources,” said Bhuyan. “Given my background as an infectious diseases specialist, I worked with the Chief and Deputy Chief at Barren Hill to help establish practical, data-driven COVID protocols to help keep our emergency services running, while also keeping our first responders safe.”
Bhuyan’s expertise helped ensure Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company’s residents continued to receive fire prevention services at the height of the pandemic.
“At the end of the day, every skill set helps strengthen the fire service and you’ll never know how you could’ve helped if you don’t step up and volunteer,” said Bhuyan.
School Vice Principal Jamie Viall teaches fire safety
Barren Hill Fire Company Captain and Vice Principal of Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School, Jamie Viall, uses his educational background to teach community members about fire prevention every year.
“My background in education is super helpful when it comes to being in charge of our fire prevention program,” said Viall.
Every year Barren Hill Fire Company teams up with other local Montgomery County fire companies during Fire Prevention Week for the Whitemarsh Fire Prevention Expo. Viall assists with coordinating the Fire Prevention Expo, which includes live demonstrations such as vehicle rescue and cooking fires, on top of presenting critical fire safety tips and information to local schools.
“We need people with other skillsets than riding on the back of the truck,” said Viall. “Whether you have a background in finance, social media, fundraising, whatever it may be, your local fire company can use your skills.”
Viall has been fighting fires in his community since 2003 when he joined Barren Hill at 18 years old.
“I’ve made lifelong friends through volunteering,” said Viall. “Twenty-plus years of friendship wouldn’t have occurred if I hadn’t joined my local fire company.”
Summer Uchin holds a variety of roles
Jeweler, sculptor, artist, mom, paralegal and volunteer fire police, Summer Uchin, started volunteering at Perkiomen Fire Company four years ago. On top of her fire police duties, she volunteers as the financial secretary and chair of a few committees.
“It’s definitely busy but fulfilling!” said Uchin. “It’s so rewarding and volunteer work is flexible. I can take on a little less or more depending on my schedule.”
Uchin recently completed a two-day course to obtain her Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Certification as well as Basic Fire Police Training at the Montgomery County County Fire Academy.
“Learning new skills at Perkiomen Township Fire Company is invaluable in and out of my careers,” said Uchin. “I meet people from all different work backgrounds and junior members who are still in school. They give me a new perspective on my industry and working with teams.”
Uchin started with no experience in the fire service but looked past her nervousness and dove in head first.
“You learn things about yourself and you surprise yourself with what you can do,” said Uchin.
‘Ordinary People, Trained for the Extraordinary’
Local fire companies in Montgomery County need more volunteers, regardless of their background.
“We’ll give you the training and gear you need to safely respond to emergency calls,” said President of the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association George Wilmot III. “All we ask is for your time.”
Ready to train for the extraordinary? To learn more or sign up to volunteer visit www.montcofirefighters.org.
