Many of the firefighters with Goodwill Fire Company, Germansville, began as junior firefighters.

Eric Pfeifly, who joined in 1997, is one of them.

"I wanted to help the community," Pfeifly said. "In 1996, I started [volunteering] in the kitchen."

His mom, dad and sister were all involved in working in the kitchen, part of the ongoing and necessary fundraising.

Pfeifly helps with banquets and has been head cook.

"It is very time consuming," he said. "My wife didn't realize how much time it took, but she is understanding of the whole thing.

"Along with our 4-1/2 year old son, we try to make it a family affair."

His father, Dan, is able to help occasionally and his mom, Shoanna, still helps in the kitchen, but his sister moved to Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Pfeifly, who is Firefighter II certified, is an assistant chief and can be in charge on the scene of an emergency.

Firefighter I provides training for Hazmat and operations. Firefighter II adds rescue and vehicle rescue certification.

The next step is officer training.

Pfeifly is helping build the fire company's new brush truck.

"I like helping people in need," Pfeifly said. "I'm in charge of building operations and am president of the board of governors."

Pfeifly is one of five board members.

"I like the fire side better but enjoy upstairs [kitchen]. Both sides are needed for the company to exist," Pfeifly said. "We're hurting for people. Everybody has multiple jobs."

Pfeifly said volunteering with the fire company is fulfilling.

"It's a lot of work but well worth it," he said. "The members are friends and they are like a second family."