Some volunteers aren’t always behind a desk or in an office. Some are called to run into the face of danger while being part of a volunteer fire department.
Jeff Hawryliw from Harborcreek is a fourth-generation volunteer firefighter at Fairfield Hose Company at 4896 E. Lake Road. He follows in the family business of firefighting and is now the assistant chief.
“My great grandfather and grandfather were founding members and started the department in October of 1944,” Hawryliw said. “My dad, brother, sister and mom, along with aunts and uncles, were all involved in the fire service here. Now my sons and nephews are in.”
Growing up in a family of firefighters was how Hawryliw became one, but serving the needs of the community is what he is passionate about.
“I hardly expect to get anything out of this as it’s just something I do,” Hawryliw said. “I’ve done it so long for free, I don’t get any money. I don’t do it for praise, it’s not for self-recognition but if I’m able to help someone I know. We’re responding on their worst day and to help a person so they can have a familiar face when something is happening. That’s the main reason I do it.”
What does Jeff Hawryliw do at Fairfield Hose Company?
As the assistant chief at Fairfield Hose Company, Hawryliw wears many hats.
He is the training officer, president and financial officer, manages the social club and answers emergency calls.
“I don’t think it’s much more than the fact that I want to be involved in the fire service,” Hawryliw said. “It’s something that our community needs. It’s a need that goes far beyond yourself. It helps the community and helps the township.”
A need for more volunteer firefighters
Hawryliw encourages prospective firefighters to reach out to their local fire department.
“Most departments not only pay for your training, they can set you on a path,” Hawryliw said. “You can start as a volunteer and then work up to being a paid officer, but it’s a sense of community. It helps develop a set of skills that are needed.”
Hawryliw says the best way to understand what a volunteer firefighter does is to experience it yourself.
“The best way to volunteer is to contact your local fire department,” Hawryliw said. “Come down to the firehouse and inquire how to become a member. All departments need some sort of help, volunteerism is at a critical level. We’re pretty fortunate with our mix of paid workers and volunteers. We have just shy of 25 volunteers and a bunch of lifetime members.”
