The First Volunteer Fire Company of Bergholz, Inc.

 

Have you wondered what it would be like to serve your community?  Have you thought about becoming a part of your local volunteer fire department but you weren't sure who to call or contact?  If you live within the Town of Wheatfield, NY or are within five (5) road miles of our fire station, we are here to help.  We provide free firefighting equipment and free training!  All you need to provide is the willingness to learn.  On this site is an application page that you can fill out and submit.  We'd be happy to reach out to you.  We are always accepting interior and exterior firefighters, fire police, emergency medical technicians and driver/pump operators.  If you have something that would keep you from physically participating but you have a talent that would assist on our administrative side, please let us know.  You also would be eligible for a state tax credit each year and our town provides a service program for retirement!  We also have an auxillary that supports our fire company through fund raising and assistance on larger emergencies.  Watch here for information on a recruitment event at our fire station soon.                Do you have a fire in you?

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This edition of our member spotlight will chronicle the background of our current President and interior firefighter/EMT Gail Carrier.

Q1 - You come from a deep volunteer background as your great grandfather Julius was the first chief in the departments history.  Was there a specific point in your life where you made a decision that you wanted to be a volunteer firefighter or is it something you've always wanted to do?

A - "Growing up in and around the fire company and having seen my father and my brothers not only join but become instrumental in the department, it seemed like a natural step for me to take.  I started volunteering at Tri-Community Ambulance first, received my EMT and then decided to join the fire company."

Q2 - Who has been your biggest influence in your fire career up to this point?

A - "I would have to say that my family specifically my great grandfather who helped organize this department to my father who was a past chief and president, my brother Dennis who is also a past chief and past president.  I look to Art Gerbec who was the chief when I joined and to Art Kroening.  There are many others as well as everyone has had an influence on me."

Q3 - Is there any call or calls that stand out in your memory where your actions made a difference in the outcome of the call?

A - "It's hard to pinpoint one call individually as there are many where our team providing life saving care or extrication from a vehicle has helped a person to survive.  I think working as a team and having positive results are memorable."

Q4 - What do you enjoy the most about the volunteer fire service?

A - "Being a part of the volunteer fire service can be uplifting some times.  When your having a bad day or a bad call you can rely on your team to talk you through it and to help.  I really enjoy knowing that I am helping my community as well.  I love the feeling of being able to help others."

Q5 - Are you able to remember your first call or the circumstances surrounding this call?

A - " I don't specifically remember my very first call but I do remember being able to ride the tailboard.  I really loved being able to ride the tailboard of the trucks.  One time I was at church wearing a skirt when a fire call came in.  I went to the hall putting on my knee high firefighter boots (before bunker pants were available) and climbing onto the tailboard trying to keep the skirt tucked in."

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