Len's Story
When Len Waller returned home from the United States Army, he said he started volunteering as a firefighter to help people in their darkest hours. “I felt I had the skill set and determination to help make a difference. Why not put that to good use?” said Len, the Deputy Chief at Good Will Fire Company #1 of Trexlertown.
He has volunteered for nine years and three of those have been with Upper Macungie Township Fire Department. In 2020, Len also joined the Lehigh County Special Operations team – a highly specialized volunteer rescue team that responds to high risk and technical incidents.
He has found both the camaraderie and calls to be a humbling and gratifying experience. “I genuinely felt I’ve made a difference in working towards the betterment of both our department and the community,” said Len.
“There’s no bigger adrenaline rush than riding the big truck with lights and sirens headed towards the big glow in the sky while everyone else is running away. You know the moment you get there and the truck stops… it’s go time.”
Len says if you have any interest in volunteering at all, just go for it. “It doesn’t cost you anything; all the training and equipment is provided, and it’s an experience and opportunity you would not get anywhere else, especially when the cost of admission is just a little bit of your time. The beautiful thing about the volunteer fire service is that you can be involved as much or as little as you would like to be, and it opens up a whole world of opportunities for you to explore — EMS, technical rescue, hazmat, etc. — should you choose to do so.”
“The experiences, relationships, and training you receive here are unlike anything you could expect anywhere else. What are you waiting for?”
