Women of Bucks County Fire Departments Pull Double Duty: Volunteer, Mom

Firefighting in Bucks County is often a family affair.  It’s a tradition that’s passed down from generation to generation, and for a lot of women that means pulling double duty as both firefighter and mother.

“They’re both similar jobs,” said Rachel Peltz, a mother of two who has been a volunteer firefighter with the Tullytown Fire Company (Station 33) for the last year and a half.  “It’s very rewarding, but it’s also a lot of hard work.  You get out of it what you put in.”

There are dozens of women who serve as volunteers throughout Bucks County as firefighters, often times juggling a career, family and fire service.

Dawn Cifelli, a mother of two, has served in the Ladies Auxiliary and as a member of the Fire Police in Plumsteadville as well as Ottsville.

“It’s always been a part of my life,” Cifelli said.  “I would say there’s over 60 years of combined fire service in my family.”

Peltz said that people shouldn’t feel intimidated by volunteering. 

“I’ve met an awful lot of nice people since I’ve signed up,” Peltz said.  “The fire community is very welcoming.”

Maryann Johnson, also a mother of two, serves as the president of the Tullytown Fire Company (Station 33).  Johnson joined the Ladies Auxiliary in 1985 before becoming a firefighter in 1992 and then a driver in 2012.

“I enjoy helping the community,” Johnson said.  “There’s nothing here but friendship.  I really enjoy the family atmosphere.”

Volunteering for fire service is a large time commitment, but volunteers can choose their own path.

“I spend a lot of my time helping out at the station, and working as a member of the fire police,” Cifelli said. 

The fire police direct traffic during emergency situations.

“We help keep the firefighters safe,” Cifelli said.  “The guys always laugh because they say they can hear me yelling at traffic over the sound of all their equipment.”

As president of the fire company Johnson is responsible for running the administrative side of the fire company, and as a driver, she’s in charge of making sure the firefighters get to the emergency scene quickly and safely.

Peltz is on the frontlines, running into buildings, fighting fires.

“It’s a real adrenaline rush,” Peltz said.  “It feels really good to gear up, hop in a truck and head out to help people.”

Rob Kay, the Co-Chair of the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association’s Recruitment and Retention committee, says that anyone can be a volunteer, no matter what their circumstances.

“The need for volunteer firefighters in a countywide issue,” said Kay.  “We welcome anyone who wants to help in any way they can”

The fire companies of Bucks County hope to recruit members for all areas of fire service, not just firefighters. There are plenty of opportunities available for individuals who want to help with non-fire, non-emergency positions like fundraising, event coordinating and administrative duties.

 “You need to go with your heart,” Peltz said.  “If your heart is telling you this is something you should do, then you should.  It’s definitely something that’s worth it.”

For more information about volunteering please visit www.bucksfire.org, check out the fire association’s page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bucksfire or follow them on Twitter @BucksFireOrg.