It Runs in the Family: Father and Son Carry a Family Tradition of Serving as Volunteer Firefighters

Carrying on a tradition that spans four generations, Enterprise Fire Company Lieutenant Chuck Jones Jr. and his 22-year-old son, Charles Jones III, are protecting their community together as volunteer firefighters.

Chuck has been a volunteer for 35 years, getting his start as a junior firefighter. Chuck’s wife, Alison, and he have three children: twins Chad and Stephanie, and Charles. Charles followed in his father’s footsteps and became a junior firefighter at 16 years old.

“I initially joined to keep the family tradition going, but it felt good to help my community,” Charles said.

Now, at 22 years old, Charles is an active firefighter, but Chuck still recalls his first emergency call with his son.

“It was a brush fire and I was so excited to see him put out his first fire,” Chuck recalled. “Afterwards, I shared his first ‘bug juice’ with him, which is similar to limeade and a tradition to drink after fire calls.”

Charles and Chuck participate in training and attend community events together. They often answer the emergency call on the same engine.

“We ride on the fire truck together a lot,” said Charles. “He taught me everything I know about the fire service.”

The learning goes both ways.

“I've been in the service for a long time, so Charles actually shows me some of the newer operational techniques,” Chuck said. “It’s great because continuous learning is crucial in the fire service, no matter your position or tenure.”

Firefighting together has strengthened their bond.

“Beyond a son, Charles has become like a best friend to me,” said Chuck.

Charles shares the same sentiment about his dad.

“He's a good leader, he's hard-working, and he's always willing to go out of his way for somebody,” said Charles.

Although their fellow firefighters aren’t blood related, Chuck and Charles feel a family-like bond with them.

“When we’re working on an emergency scene, we all have each other’s backs,” said Chuck. “At the end of the day, we want everyone to get home safely.”

Community members can find a second family and establish their own legacy of service by volunteering at their local Montgomery County fire company. Fire companies are actively seeking people to fill the roles of fire police, drivers and administrative members. To learn more about ways to volunteer or to sign up, visit www.montcofirefighters.org.