Firefighter Finds Second Family as a New Darby Fire Co. Volunteer

There’s the old expression if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Tom Thompson knows that all too well. The 25-year-old has been fighting fires for nearly a decade but resisted the urge to join the crew at Darby Fire Company #1.

“I run at other fire companies, so I always used to have a rivalry with everybody here at Darby,” he said. “I’ve been a firefighter since I was 16, starting at Cheltenham Fire Company. Then, I moved on to Harmonville and East Lansdowne fire companies. I kind of went all over. They used to always tell me to come to Darby. I used to be stubborn and didn’t want to come.”

Six months ago that all changed when Thompson decided to become a volunteer at the station. A move, he said, he wished he’d made a lot sooner.

It’s Time to Go

It wasn’t too long ago that Thompson first became a firefighter. In fact, he still remembers going into his first blaze. “It was scary,” he said. “I didn’t want to mess up and I didn’t want to be cursed out by everybody with me. I wanted to be the first person that actually put the water on the fire. So it was a lot of thoughts running through my head.”

The fire was at the Stratford Court Apartments in East Lansdowne Borough. “The whole basement was on fire and we were the first ones there,” he said. “It was pretty scary to see everything happening up close. And you’ve got to actually do something.” Thankfully no one was injured and they were able to put out the flames.

Since joining Darby, Thompson, who works for Lansdowne Borough Highway Department and Sanitation, has already seen his fair share of fires. “For Delco, yes they go to a lot of fires. I love fires, so I decided, ‘yeah, it’s time to go over there now,’” he said. “Especially, when they’re running everywhere in the county. It’s time to go.”

Part of the Team

The experience outside of fighting fires has been positive too, he said. With only six months under his belt at the station, he’s already gained experience that helps him professionally. “I’ve gotten better with my people skills. I talk to random people every day,” he said. “I’m also learning not to judge a situation quickly, understand my environment and learn everything around me before I make a decision and know how to react in a split-second difference.”

He also feels like he’s become part of the team at the fire station. “Everyone comes together when someone needs something or there’s an event,” he said. “Because it’s to help us out. It’s a good feeling to know you’ve got a second family.”

“People say we’re crazy because we’re not getting paid for it but I don’t like that,” he said. “There’s a lot of people with good hearts out here, who just want to help people. To see someone else smile. They’d give their life for it. To me, that means a lot.

“Also we’re crazy just to run into a burning building. I tell everyone that anyone can do it. You just have to get the training. You just have to live for a greater purpose.”

He encouraged the community to get involved at the fire station, no matter who they are or what level of experience they bring to the table. “Come join Darby,” he said. “We’re a young, motivated crew willing to learn and meet new people. We love helping the community and we need more people to help put out these fires.”

There’s a Place for You

Whether you bring a decade’s worth of experience like Thompson, or it’s your first day on the job, you can help fight fires as a volunteer at Darby Fire Company #1. The equipment and training are free and the experience you’ll gain helping protect the community lasts a lifetime. Find out more by visiting JoinDarby1.org.