Who Answers the Call? Meet Broomall Fire Company's John Pizzi

When someone calls for help from the 8.5 stretch of the Blue Route that runs through his town, volunteer firefighter John Pizzi answers.

John and other members of the Broomall Fire Company team drop whatever they are doing to gear up and rush to the scene. Often, they find a twisted and tough metal capsule that must be carefully broken through to free one or more fragile human beings trapped inside. “So many things have to be taken into consideration,” said John, 39. “It takes intense focus, it also takes speed.”

His Willingness to Help, Plus Free Training in Necessary Skills, Made John a Firefighter

John, husband to Gwen and father to four-year-old Wyatt and a baby on the way, makes his living in sales. Before walking into Broomall Fire Company as a new volunteer three years ago, he had no experience in rescue or firefighting work. He didn’t even know anyone who volunteered. But John had long felt drawn to volunteer firefighting.

“I was looking for something that would give me a little bit of a balance to what I do professionally,” he remembers. “I wanted something that was physically demanding, but something more purposeful than just a physical challenge. I wanted a way to give back, to serve others, and to grow personally.”

John grew up in Upper Darby, but for 15 years he lived in Philadelphia, where firehouses are staffed by career firefighters. When he and his family moved to Broomall, he drove past the firehouse and its“Firefighters Wanted” sign daily. “I thought, ‘You know what?
I’ve got to do this.’”

Broomall Fire Company was very glad to have him, as it, like every volunteer fire and EMS company in Delaware County, has an urgent need for volunteers. Most Pennsylvania communities are protected by volunteer firefighters, yet the number of volunteers has fallen from about
300,000 in the 1970s to about 38,000 today.

John began training in all the skills needed to safely fight fires and respond to accidents and other emergencies. He and other volunteerfirefighters must meet the same requirements as career firefighters. Learning and training are continuous, with regular drill nights. Broomall Fire also provides gear and equipment at no cost to volunteers.

Using What He’s Learned as Part of A Tight-Knit Team

On scene, John relies on every bit of training, the protection his gear provides, the high-tech tools, and the tight-knit team of firefighters, rescue workers, EMTs, and other first responders around him.

Stabilizing the vehicle so it won’t move while a person is extricated is the first step at every accident. “A vehicle can be standing on its side, on its wheels, or on its hood, and each situation requires a different method,” John said. “Our station is very lucky to have a very seasoned group of rescue technicians. It’s been easy to learn from these guys, as they have seen almost everything.”

EMTs and paramedics are meanwhile assessing victim condition. “They tell us, the firefighters, which way they would like the patient removed from the vehicle – for example, through the roof or through the side doors – in order to keep the person in the best shape. We are the workhorses.”

The firefighters use a variety of tools – including the hydraulic cutters called The Jaws of Life – to cut and pull away glass, fiberglass, and metal. Together with the medical personnel, they get everyone out.

“When they are free, there’s relief. There’s a bit of pride. You know that the person is far from the end – they may have a lot of medical treatment ahead of them. But you know you did something that ultimately helped another person.”

Volunteer Emergency Service: There’s Nothing Else Like It

Three years into his volunteer firefighting career, John said he’s gotten exactly the challenge he craved, and much more.

Physically, there’s the demands of training, and also his personal commitment to stay in the best shape of his life. “I would not be able to live with myself if I was in a scenario where one of my crew was depending on me and I couldn’t perform,” he said. “I don’t want to let anyone down.”

Mentally, there’s always more to learn. John continues to take additional rescue courses, continually learning more in class as well as from other volunteers.

But “the biggest thing that makes me happy about all of this is its purpose is to help someone,” he said. “No matter what the call is that you’re responding to, someone needs you. It’s a nice feeling to have the training and skills to be able to do the job – to help someone else.”

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Every Delaware County fire company and rescue squad needs more volunteers in both emergency and non-emergency roles. In addition to firefighters and EMTs, volunteers are needed to maintain fire trucks and fire houses, run special events and fundraisers, educate the community on fire safety, and many other jobs. Most firehouses offer special junior firefighter positions for teens, who train with other firefighters and assist on scene. If you’ve got a skill you’re willing to share, your local Delaware County fire company can use your help. Visit www.fightdelcofires.org to inquire about volunteering or learn more.

Volunteer Now! Lives depend on it!