Mike MacCall, 65, joined the Garden City Fire Company in 1974, and as he celebrates 50 years with the organization, he still feels the same sense of gratification and purpose as he did when he stepped foot into the firehouse as a teen. Although he has transitioned from an active firefighter to an administrative role, there are still countless ways in which he can give back as a Garden City volunteer.
“We do so many things, some big and some small, but just knowing that we are helping people is what is most rewarding for me,” said MacCall. “Sometimes, I will be standing outside the firehouse and a family will walk by and ask if they can take a look at the trucks. Being able to see the little kids’ eyes light up, and knowing that some of these children may be future firefighters with Garden City, is very fulfilling.”
Born and raised in Wallingford, Pa, MacCall was encouraged by his parents to join the community’s fire company.
“My parents thought it was a great idea for me to do something in the community at that age, and they knew that it was like a family up there and that I would be looked after at 16 years old,” said MacCall.
MacCall is the Public Works Director for the Nether Providence Township. He initially landed a job with the township in the highway department 3 weeks after he turned 18 as a result of his involvement with Garden City.
He finds it easy to balance volunteering with his employment and family life, and it makes it a little bit easier considering that his wife and son have both previously volunteered with Garden City. His wife, Janet, served as the fire company’s treasurer for roughly five years, and his son, Michael, was previously a volunteer. His son moved on after graduating high school, but MacCall still fondly remembers the moment he heard his son graduated from fire school.
“I knew one of the instructors up there, and I reached out to him and asked him if my son passed. He said ‘Yes, he did great,’ and I was so proud of him. He seemed to really enjoy it, and it was great being able to volunteer with him,” said MacCall.
Throughout his volunteer experience, he has learned crucial skills and life lessons, such as always prioritizing safety, regardless of what you are doing, and always having each other’s backs and lending a helping hand when it’s needed.
“I grew up at the fire company. I live in Ridley Township now, but my home has always been Garden City,” said MacCall.
“Michael’s story speaks to the fact that there is an opportunity at every age to make a positive impact in the community as a Garden City volunteer. Whether you are fighting fires or providing administrative support, you are making a difference,” said Garden City Fire Company Chief Pat O’Rourke.
You can protect and serve your community as a Garden City volunteer in various capacities, including as a firefighter or administrative member. No prior experience is needed to join Garden City Fire Company, and training and gear are provided to all volunteers. To learn more about getting involved, visit www.GardenCityFirefighter.org.