Jaad Elias, 22, says he became a volunteer firefighter due to his dedication and enthusiasm in public service.

“Huge life lessons are learned in the fire service,” Jaad said. “I’ve learned a lot of new things and will continue to learn things as the years go on.”

Jaad has been a firefighter for three years now at Upper Macungie Township Station 56 and says the other volunteers are a second family he can always count on.

“Some of the greatest memories I will have for the rest of my life are from the fire service,” said Jaad. “If you enjoy the brotherhood/sisterhood and comradery, and you want to serve your community, I would suggest this could be your first step of being a part of something bigger than life itself.”

While the fire service may not be for everyone, you won’t know unless you try it.