Navy veteran Chris Mann brings the same courage and dedication he displayed overseas to the West Manchester Township Fire Department, where he serves the community as a volunteer firefighter. Mann was in the United States Navy for over nine years, retiring at the rank of E-5, also known as Petty Officer Second Class (PO2).
“My dad was a 19-year Navy veteran and he said, ‘You either join the Navy, or you’re going to be stuck here forever,’ and that’s what I did,” said Mann, who enlisted at 17.
Mann was deployed twice in the Gulf of Africa, the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and in Benghazi, Libya, following the 2012 deadly terrorist attacks on the United States diplomatic compound and a nearby CIA Annex.
“We were supposed to be pulling into Italy, but overnight, we got full steam orders to be on the coast of Benghazi,” said Mann.
After completing his fourth and final deployment, Mann returned home and joined his brother, Nicholas, as a volunteer at the West Manchester Township Fire Department.
“I am going on eight years now. The camaraderie is amazing; it’s almost like being in the Navy,” said Mann. “It’s cool because I get to help people on their
worst day. That’s really why I joined.”
Volunteering has been a family affair for quite some time now, and Mann is very excited for his 14-year-old daughter to be taking part in the tradition. She will be joining the department as a junior firefighter, developing new skills under the guidance of skilled firefighters, like her father and uncle.
Those looking to give back to their community can volunteer with West Manchester Township Fire Department as a firefighter, fire police, live-in firefighter, junior firefighter or social member. No prior experience is needed to join; training and gear are provided to all volunteers for free.
“When I started volunteering, I was a college student and single dad working full time, and I still found time to go through the fire academy. It’s very manageable and everyone at the fire department is extremely accommodating and understanding. You just have to prioritize what’s important,” said Mann.
Learn more at www.WestManchesterFirefighter.org.