Crime & Safety
Profiles in Volunteerism: Firefighter Tom Weikert
Tom Weikert has been a volunteer firefighter with Southeastern Fire Company in Lower Saucon Township for 35 years.
Name: Tom Weikert
Age: 61
Lives: Lower Saucon Township
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Family: Wife, 3 children, 6 grandchildren
Job: Material Handler and Store Keeper at Stanley Storage Systems, Southeastern Fire Company Safety Officer
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Fire company: , Lower Saucon Township
Training so far: Basic Firefighter, Vehicle Rescue, Hazmat, etc.
What's being a firefighter like?
“I’ve been with them for 35 years so I must enjoy it. I enjoy working with the guys and giving my time back to the community because I think some day somebody’s going to come and maybe help me. Somebody always needs our help and I enjoy going out and helping people. That’s why I do it. I enjoy helping the public.”
How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life in danger?
“They understand it, especially the little ones when the beeper goes off. (They say), 'Pappy, you gotta be careful!' You have to be careful and you have to realize what you have to do. With the training, we know what our limits are. They put up with it, especially when it’s dinnertime and the beeper goes off. They take it in stride.”
Tell us a story you'll never forget about your firefighting experience.
“The accident on I-78 on Thanksgiving. That’s one I’ll never forget.”
What would you tell people interested in joining your fire company?
“Come on in and enjoy what we do. Just the camaraderie of everybody, get to know the guys, learn something different, learn and experience, and help your fellow community.”
