Profiles in Volunteerism: Firefighter Gail Nolf

Name: Gail Nolf

Lives in: Hellertown

Family: 2 sons, 2 grandchildren

Job: Teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District, Firefighter, Hellertown Borough Council member

Fire company: Dewey Fire Company No. 1

Training so far: Ladders Training, Essentials, Hazmat, Emergency Vehicle, Ropes, Wildfire Training

What's being a volunteer firefighter like?

"It's very satisfying and it's a lot of fun. I think that if a person lives in a community, they should contribute to the community and this is the way I'm able to contribute. I like it. I feel like I'm good at it. It's a sense of satisfaction knowing you can do something that's helpful to the community."

How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life in danger?

"My family has a history of commitment to the community so I think it's just something that's understood and accepted. If you have a healthy fear about things, then you're smart, cautious and safe about what you do. Be educated about what you're doing and then be able to fulfill those responsibilities in a responsible way. When my grandchildren are over and know I have to go, they pick up the keys and say, 'Here Grandma!'"

Tell us a story you'll never forget about your firefighting experience.

"I saved a dog from a smoky house once. Something in the house caught on fire and the dog was upstairs so myself and somebody else went up and saved the dog."

What would you tell people interested in joining your fire company?

"There is something for everyone to do, whether it's going in and pulling hose lines or fighting fire exactly or helping in an auxiliary way with driving the truck or outside activities. I would encourage females to get involved. Somebody shared with me that I was the first female firefighter at Dewey and I had no idea. That's not why I did it. The reason I did it was to satisfy my desire to be involved in the community in a physical way I thought was valuable. I'm always encouraged when other females are interested. If there are females who are interested, I would encourage them to not be afraid, to take that step and walk into a firehouse, which is traditionally male-dominated. If you're willing to learn and you're respectful, there really is no bias. I've never felt less than any firefighter in Hellertown so I would strongly encourage a woman who is even thinking about it to just come down and spend a Monday night with us. I feel confident that they'll be accepted."

For more information about Dewey Fire Company No. 1, visit www.deweyfireco.org. Weekly drill nights at Dewey are held on Mondays at 7pm.