Putting out volunteer fires

A: We have just over 30 people, so it’s a small club. But we’re all very, very hardworking and hands on. You’ve got to get in the trenches and get out there and work at these events to be a member of our group, so everybody’s involved. Also we get family support and tremendous support from our youth groups. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

Q: Going back to your days as a firefighter, how did it feel to protect the Glendale community as a battalion chief?

A: It was tremendous. Being a fireman, you’re always admired and looked upon with great respect, and people can’t seem to do enough to help and support your effort. Starting in 1963, it was like I went from the stone age to the space age.

The awareness of technology and the improvement of equipment and skills has been remarkable. That’s the reason why training became the true love in my job.

Q: What would you say was the most dangerous part about your job?

A: The most demanding of everything was brush fires over the years. I remember the Whiting Woods fire that happened six months after I became battalion chief [in 1982]. It lasted for days.

Q: Do you see any time in the future that you might stop serving the community?

A: I have no intentions of backing off. I don’t see any reason or inclination as long as I’m physically able to continue doing what I’m doing.