BY KELLIE DIETRICH

Special to The Press

Generations of the Gorr and Gross family grew up around the fire houses of Upper Macungie Township and followed in their family’s footsteps.

Siblings, Linda Gorr, 65, and Leroy Gross, 58, both joined Good Will Fire Company No. 1, Trexlertown because their father joined, and their children joined because they did.

Although they didn’t have a choice as kids or even babies - Deputy Chief Josh Gorr, 43, says he was dragged to the fire company’s fasnacht fundraiser as a 1-month old - they all become passionate about helping others and they return year after year.

Gary Gorr, 67, is president of the Good Will Fire Company, which was established 106 years ago.

He served as president for 34 years and was honored to be president during the fire company’s 75th and 100th anniversaries.

He volunteers with his wife, Linda; son, Josh; and daughter, Jamie, 38.

“It’s rewarding because you get to work with family. I see them more here than at family functions,” Gary said.

“We just spent the whole weekend together at the craft show and breakfast fundraiser.”

A family tree built on firefighting

Gary and wife, Linda, have known each other since they were kids. They have been married 44 years.

Linda is currently the president of the Ladies Auxiliary and has served as an officer for 49 years.

“You learn to get along with all different people.

“We’re all volunteers and we have to get along with everyone. It’s a brotherhood,” Linda said.

Her brother, Leroy Gross, is chief at Good Will Fire Company, where he commands fire scenes, conducts personnel around the fire house and on the scene, and makes sure training gets done.

Additionally, Leroy was the first chief at Upper Macungie Township Station 56, Inc., where he volunteered with his son, Cody Gross, 25, a captain at Station 56.

“When he was going through his Firefighter I, I participated in his first live burn and it was pretty cool to share that experience with him,” Leroy said.

On almost every call they respond to, the Gorr and Gross family have another family member there with them.

“There were times when the whole family was on the fire truck and we were all rolling out. It was pretty neat,” said Jamie, who has served as financial secretary for Good Will Fire Company since 2005.

She joined the Ladies Auxiliary at age 14 and the fire team at 16, where she moved up in the ranks to captain and accountability officer.

Because they have been on so many fire calls together, it’s hard to pick one that stands out, but they all recalled the fire and evacuation at the Heather Glen Senior Living facility in 2019.

Eighty-two residents and five staff members were evacuated early in the morning after a fire broke out.

“That was the biggest thing we ever had to do,” Linda said. “We had to get other fire company members here to help with the evacuation.”

Good Will Fire Company, one of two shelters, took in 67 evacuees.

Cody recalls he and another firefighter rescued the first person from a window.

“The Heather Glen fire, and directly being able to help people that day, was the reason I went into EMS,” said Cody, who changed his career from automotive technician.

He is an EMT at Cetronia Ambulance Corps, with plans to become a paramedic.

“When someone’s having a bad day, I enjoy helping them get to a little bit better day,” Cody explained.

As Cody did, Josh also changed his career because he hated working a desk job.

The certifications he earned as a volunteer firefighter at Good Will Fire Company helped him pursue a career in emergency services, and he is currently a firefighter and paramedic with the U.S. Department of Defense.

“Being able to give back when you can is the best part,” Josh said.

A call for more volunteers

Volunteers are always needed at Upper Macungie Township’s three stations: Good Will Fire Company No. 1, Trexlertown, Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company and Upper Macungie Township Station 56, Inc.

“The more volunteers, the more you can break up the work among everybody and get work done,” Josh said. “People don’t have time to give seven days a week like they used to, so having more volunteers helps spread out the workload.”

Not only are all stations seeking firefighters, but they are also seeking fire police and people to assist with fundraising, bookkeeping, kitchen duties during events, or vehicle and grounds maintenance.

“There’s always something that can be done,” Jamie said.

Any and all skills are welcomed, as long as the person is willing to help.

“It’s always good to see new faces and another helping hand,” Gary said.

No previous experience is required to volunteer. Training and gear are provided by the fire company.

“Anyone can volunteer. The training and knowledge will get you there,” Leroy said.

When choosing a fire company at which to volunteer, proximity to the station is the most important thing.

The quicker volunteers can get to the station, the faster they are able to hop on the truck and answer the call.

“Your neighbors might need help,” Leroy said. “Your friends and your family might need help.”

In addition to emergency calls, there are many fundraisers that need volunteers, such as fasnacht and sandwich sales, craft shows, breakfasts and more.

“I enjoy helping at different functions and seeing so many people,” Jamie said. “It’s rewarding to give back.”

Although the Gorr and Gross family love volunteering together, the entire fire team is like a family to them.

“At the end of the day, we’re all one family,” Cody said. “Fill out an application. You won’t regret it.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should visit UMTfire.com to learn more and fill out an inquiry form on the Join Us page.