Twelve years ago, Nick Gruber joined Community Fire Company, New Tripoli, as a junior firefighter.

His father was a volunteer firefighter with Lynnport.

"I just always knew I was going to do it," Gruber said. "I like the excitement and enjoy the training.

"It keeps you busy and interested in keeping going."

Gruber , who works in the heating and air conditioning field, has Firefighter I certification, Hazmat and pump training and has taken an emergency vehicle operator class.

He said there are few major Hazmat events in the Northwestern area but many smaller ones.

Gruber's grandmother volunteered with the Northwestern Ambulance Corps.

His wife, Natalie, knew he was a firefighter when he met her and she accepts the requirements of the volunteer position.

The couple has one child and another on the way.

"The company is great. It is a group of well-trained, dedicated people - a pretty good professional group. A good percentage are certified," Nick said.

"The biggest thing is the fire company keeps you busy," Gruber said. "It is something different that not many people get to experience."