Volunteer Spotlight: Peter Albaugh

Peter-AlbaughName: Peter Albaugh
Title: Fire Marshal
Department Name: Summit Township VFD
Location: Harmonsburg, PA

What is your career?
I started my working career with a 4 year hitch in the US Navy as a Gunners Mate where I got my first training in ship board firefighting. Following that I drove semi trucks and worked in industry. Finally working 30 years in the forging industry where I served on the fire brigade and safety committee and retired in 2009. All that time I served as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency 1st Responder with my volunteer fire department ambulance. I’m also a PA State Fire Instructor and a Committee Member on the Crawford/Venango County annual Fire School, and a Fire EMS Peer on a CISM Team.

Why are you an NVFC member?
The benefits and up-to-date information.

Why are you a volunteer firefighter?
The good feeling you get when you are able to help people in the community. It’s personal when you know the people you serve and they know you. The work of a rural volunteer firefighter and EMS provider has been very rewarding but never was it like a job.

How long have you been in the fire service?
Serving since 1971

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
There are many memorable moments. The true thanks for what we do go on for a lifetime. Having helped my neighbors for over three generations I still get that nod of recognition and thanks for things that happened years ago and they still remember how you helped on the worst day of their life. Adults who I taught fire prevention in 3rd grade are now teachers in the 3rd grade with their own children. I remember teaching fire prevention in the 6th grade to our current Fire Chief who started his service as a Jr. Firefighter at 14. It’s the circle of life.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?

  • Started a rural BLS ambulance service
  • Fire prevention programs
  • Provide smoke detectors to anyone in need
  • Jr. Firefighter Program
  • Sponsor a Boy Scout Troop
  • Provide use of the social hall to other community groups
  • Benefit dinners for families in need

 

* Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.