Crime & Safety
The Hero Next Door: Nathan Hinkel
Meet Nathan Hinkel, volunteer firefighter and treasurer for Hecktown Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 and this week's 'Hero Next Door.'
Nathan Hinkel, 32, is a volunteer firefighter and treasurer with . He has been a volunteer since he was 16.
Hinkel, a resident of , owns NMH Construction, working on residential homes in the Lehigh Valley. He graduated from in 1997.
Hinkel's brother, , is the second assistant fire chief with Hecktown.
Find out what's happening in Nazarethfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hinkel and his wife, Corinne, have two children, Aaron and Addison.
What is your favorite thing about being a firefighter?
Find out what's happening in Nazarethfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Just helping people out in their time of need."
What made you decide to become a firefighter?
"I joined when I turned 16. My grandfather, dad, and brother were all involved. My dad and brother were [at Hecktown]... Being in this place when you're little kind of sticks on you."
What kind of training have you had?
"I'm certified in Vehicle Rescue and Firefighter 2."
How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life on the line?
"[My wife] is used to it. [Addison and Aaron] like to come down and see the fire trucks."