Volunteer firefighting is an occupation that often has very strong familial ties, prompting later generations to follow the family tradition. For two sets of father-son duos at West Manchester Township Fire Department, their pathway to the volunteer fire service was quite unique. Their stories follow:
Bryan and Ben Metzger
When Ben Metzger was in first grade, his friend’s parents were both volunteer firefighters at West Manchester Township Fire Department. Ben was in awe of the gear they showed off to him and his peers during a class presentation and from that moment forward, Ben knew he was going to become a volunteer firefighter. In 2016, he became a junior firefighter, and less than a year later, Ben had successfully recruited his father, Bryan Metzger, to join the department.
Shortly after Bryan joined, his wife and Ben’s mother, Laura Metzger, joined the department as an administrative member, embarking on a new family tradition. Both Ben and Bryan are certified firefighters and the skills they have learned as volunteers have benefited them in other aspects of their life.
“I was going through fire academy classes when I was 50, and it was both mentally and physically challenging. It’s really helped me continue to stay in shape,” said Bryan.
“I am a mechanical engineering student at York College, and I have learned a lot about discipline and that has helped me with academics. I’ve also learned a lot of practical skills and ended up pursuing my EMT. Being able to have some medical knowledge about how to save my life or somebody else’s is invaluable,” Ben added.
Through their volunteer experience, Ben and Bryan have learned how to communicate and work together effectively during stressful or chaotic situations to achieve a common goal. Being able to volunteer has allowed them to spend more time together and bond in a way that most fathers and sons do not.
“It’s a huge part of our life and I cannot think of a better way to serve the community,” said Bryan.
Shawn and Dustin Reinhold
Shawn Reinhold joined the West Manchester Township Fire Department in 2017 after the volunteer fire company he was a member with for several years shut down. Shawn is the department’s assistant treasurer, and in 2022, his son, Dustin Reinhold, decided to join the department as well.
Shawn and Dustin both help out at fundraisers and oversee the station’s hall rentals. Their favorite part about being able to volunteer together is being able to interact with other people in the community and their families at events.
For those who want to support the community as a West Manchester Township Fire Department volunteer, Shawn and Dustin encourage them to give it a try. Regardless of what your skill set is, the fire department could use your help.
“There’s a job for everybody. I mean, if you join, they need help everywhere. I mean, you could do anything from administrative to the firefighting to just helping out with fundraisers,” said Shawn.
Ways to Volunteer
The West Manchester Township Fire Department is actively recruiting committed volunteers that want to help make a difference in their neighbor’s lives. No prior experience is needed to join, and training and gear are provided at no cost. Various roles are available, including:
Firefighter – For men and women over the age of 18, learn how to respond to emergencies, help save lives, and protect property.
Fire Police – Ensure the safety of and assist firefighters at the scene of emergencies by directing traffic and providing crowd control.
Junior Firefighter – For those ages 14 through 17, learn the necessary skills to become an active firefighter at age 18.
Administrative Member – Help out by assisting with vehicle maintenance, fundraising, volunteering at community events, teaching children about fire safety, and more!
To learn more about volunteering with WMTFD, visit www.WestManchesterFirefighter.org.