STORIES Staffing Program Seeks Volunteer Firefighters in Greater Lehigh Valley Emergency calls come in 24/7 at Upper Macungie Township Fire & Rescue and ran 979 incidents last year. With a 100% volunteer team, it can be a challenge to answer calls when most firefighters are at work. To arrive at emergency scenes faster and well-staffed,...

Generations of the Gorr and Gross family grew up around the fire houses of Upper Macungie Township and followed in their family’s footsteps. Siblings, Linda Gorr, 65, and Leroy Gross, 58, both joined the Good Will Fire Company No. 1 of Trexlertown because their father joined, and their children joined because of them. 

STORIES James' Story James Ellermann, 39, comes from a long history of family members volunteering from the state of Montana to New Jersey. “I was never able to serve my country in the armed forces so this was my ambition to give back,” said James. He is an active firefighter at Upper Macungie Township Station...

STORIES Leroy's Story Leroy Gross has been a volunteer with the fire departments of Upper Macungie Township for 39 years, and is currently a firefighter and driver. He was the first Chief of Upper Macungie Township Station 56 and served in that role for 12 years. Leroy said serving as the first Chief was an...

STORIES Dennis' Story Dennis J. McArdle, 57, is a firefighter, Fire Marshal and Vice President at the Good Will Fire Company #1 of Trexlertown. He has spent 41 years volunteering and 16 with Upper Macungie Township Fire Departments, originally joining to continue the family tradition and assisting neighbors in their time of need. “What I...

STORIES John's Story Shortly after John Ellermann, 39, graduated from high school, he became interested in volunteer firefighting. “I wanted to help the people and neighbors in my community become a part of something that's bigger than me that saves life and property,” said John. Today, John is a volunteer firefighter, the President of the...

STORIES Charles' Story Assistant Chief Charles Howard, 60, grew up in the city with a paid fire department and didn’t realize there was a volunteer service until he moved to Northern Jersey. Like Northern Jersey, the fire departments in Upper Macungie Township are volunteer as well. “From a young age, it has been my desire...

STORIES Molly's Story Molly Amsler, 18, never thought she would become a firefighter. “After talking to some firefighters, I thought volunteering would be a different way for me to help out my community,” she said. “It is definitely one decision I will never regret.” Molly has been volunteering for over a year at Upper Macungie...

STORIES Justice's Story Justice Mannino, 35, knew his community was in need of volunteer firefighters. That’s why three and a half years ago he joined Upper Macungie Township Station 56. “What the fire service provides is crucial, and at times, lifesaving,” he said. Justice has learned essential skills, made incredible memories and experiences, and also...

STORIES Stephen's Story “You will not find a job that is as rewarding as being able to save a life,” said Stephen Oplinger, volunteer firefighter and quartermaster at Good Will Fire Company #1 of Trexlertown. Stephen, 58, has been in the fire service for 30 years now and joined to be a part of a...