The Hero Next Door: Carl Strye Jr.

Carl Strye Jr., 49, is the longtime president of Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1. He's also a lieutenant with the department.

Strye, who has two children and two grandchildren, has been with the company for 33 years and has been the president since 1987.

When not fighting fires, he is a regional manager for Washtech, a company that builds and installs custom car wash systems.

Strye has been a Nazareth resident for 47 years.

What kind of training is involved in firefighting?

“When I came in, it was different… fires haven’t changed, just the way we put them out. There’s a lot of schooling. The state mandates certain things now. It could almost be a full-time job.”

What is it your favorite thing about being a firefighter?

“I just enjoy helping others.”

What made you decide to become a firefighter?

“My father was a fireman, so I always hung around the trucks and the firefighters. Every time there was a call, I wanted to know where it was.”

How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life in danger?

“When I was a junior fireman, my parents were used to it because my father was in the company. Instead of one going out the door, it was two. My grandkids think it’s pretty cool.”

What would you tell people interested in joining Vigilance Hose?

“I expect them to start at the bottom and to stay involved. Don’t expect to learn everything overnight. It’s exciting, but it’s very dangerous.”