ANSWERING A
lot has changed since the Millersville Fire Company was founded 100 years ago—from technological advances in firefighting to better communication practices. Very little remains the way it was when the allvolunteer company was established in May of 1911. One aspect of the fire company that has stood the test of time—the volunteers. The spirit, bravery and dedication of those who sacrifice their time and effort to help protect the lives and property of others is something modern technology cannot change. It’s simply in their blood. While the University’s support for the fire company runs deep, the community service provided by students, alumni and faculty is a true testament to the volunteer spirit that permeates this small community. “There is a tradition of community service in my family,” says Mike Hite ’67, who has served with the Millersville Fire Company for 47 years. “I jokingly say I serve because my dad wouldn’t let me chase fire trucks on my bike. It’s like a jolt of adrenaline. I feel it’s something that needs to be done and I have the skills to do it.” Hite and 14 other volunteer emergency responders, ranging from a junior at Millersville University to the 1967 alumnus, gathered in the basement of the firehouse on a rainy autumn evening to discuss why they serve and the changes they have witnessed over the years.
Student volunteers evolve into alumni volunteers
Three recent alumni and a current Millersville student sit side-by-side on a long couch in the basement of the firehouse. They are Nick Kramer ’09, Dan Hunsicker ’08, Dan Bezek ’10 and Paul McGonical, who is scheduled to graduate in 2012. While most have a family history of emergency service, their reasons for volunteering vary. “You get free food if you go out on a long call,” quipped Hunsicker. All jokes aside, it is obvious that Hunsicker takes his role very seriously. Having already served two tours in Iraq, he is due to be deployed to Afghanistan in early 2012 to fly Blackhawk helicopters. He also recently graduated at the 6 Answering the Call Winter 2011-12
by Kelly Smedley ’93
THE CALL
Training is essential to maintaining and learning new skills and techniques. Bi-monthly training sessions also provide an opportunity to practice working together and to use the sophisticated equipment, which is part of firefighting in the 21st century.
top of his class from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and hopes to become a police officer with Lancaster City. McGonical, a senior majoring in international studies, said it can be tough working as a firefighter while you are still living in the residence hall. He remarked about getting a call to respond “at 3 in the morning and my roommate was wondering why my alarm was going off.” Kramer noted the long hours spent at the firehouse can be tough while taking classes. “It can be trying when you are in college and are at the firehouse 10-15 hours a week and have to find time to study.” Kramer said that as a child most of his friends wanted to be astronauts, but he always wanted to be a firefighter. “That’s a good thing,” joked Hunsicker, “since they cut all the funding for the space program!”