Neal Fritz Jr. joined the Lynnport Fire Company as a junior firefighter in 1981 until moving to Schnecksville where he joined that fire company for four years.

He took a break until 2006 when he joined the Goodwill Fire Company, Germansville. His son, John, has also been involved with the fire company since 2006.

As an engineer, he drives the trucks and, as his job is body shop work, he can also fix the trucks.

Why join?

"Somebody has to do it," Fritz said. "We need more help. When I started, friends of mine were involved.

Fritz said being a volunteer firefighter is not for everyone.

"A lot of time is spent training, but once you get started you find you are helping out," he explained.

Fritz said his family understands his time away from them.

His wife, Judy, owns Bake Oven Hair Salon in Northwest Centre, New Tripoli. Their daughter, Julie, also works at the salon.

"We need the younger generation to learn the ins and outs so they are ready as the older firefighters retire," Fritz said. "It's a good experience. Everyday is a learning experience. You never know everything."

For younger people it could help down the line if they ever want to join a paid fire company, he explained.