Volunteer Spotlight: David Mann

Name: David Mann
Title: Firefighter, Grant Writer
Department Name: Colebrook Fire Department
Location: Colebrook, CT

Why are you an NVFC member?
In the heart of our small rural town, the siren’s wail isn’t just a sound; it’s a call to action — a reminder that lives and property hang in the balance. As a volunteer firefighter, I answer that call, knowing that my neighbors, my friends, my community depend on me. But I also know that I’m part of something bigger than just our local department. I’m part of a nationwide network of dedicated individuals, and that network is strengthened and amplified by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). That’s why I’m a member, and that’s why I care deeply about this organization.

The statistics are stark: 67 percent of all firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers.

In rural communities like mine, we volunteers are the ones responding to fires and car accidents, and providing emergency medical care — often with limited resources. We shoulder this responsibility willingly, driven by a deep sense of service, but we can’t do it alone. We need support, advocacy, and a unified voice — and that’s precisely what the NVFC provides.

The NVFC isn’t just another organization; it’s the voice of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services on a national level. They understand the unique challenges we face in rural America, from recruitment and retention struggles to the need for specialized training and equipment. They fight for us in the halls of Congress, ensuring that our needs are considered when legislation is crafted. They sit on standards-setting committees, ensuring that the regulations that govern us are practical and effective.

They are our advocates, our champions, and our lifeline to the resources we desperately need. For me, membership in the NVFC is more than just a title; it’s an investment in my community’s safety. It’s knowing that I have access to the latest training materials, best practices, and grant opportunities. It’s connecting with other volunteer firefighters from across the country, sharing experiences, and learning from each other. It’s being part of a powerful collective that amplifies our voices and ensures that our concerns are heard.

The NVFC’s mission resonates deeply with my own values: representing our interests, focusing on health and safety, helping with recruitment and retention, promoting education and training, and fostering the next generation of firefighters. These aren’t just words on a web site — they are tangible actions that directly impact our ability to serve our communities.

The NVFC has given me a sense of belonging to a larger community of dedicated individuals, all working toward the same goal: protecting lives and property.

The NVFC isn’t just an organization; it’s a family. It’s a network of support, a source of information, and a powerful advocate for the volunteer fire service. As a volunteer firefighter, I’m proud to be a member of the NVFC because I know that together, we can make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. We are the backbone of America’s fire service — and the NVFC is ours. They empower us to continue answering the call, helping to ensure that when the siren sounds, we’re ready to respond.

What is your occupation?
Coffee roaster, creative director, copywriter

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
To serve my community and help those in need.

What year did you join the fire or emergency service?
2023

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
Many memorable moments, but one that stands out is when we responded to a recent motor vehicle accident. The driver was a young man who had just obtained his driver’s license. He slid on ice. He was alright, but his car was totaled. When his mother arrived on the scene, she first saw the car and panicked, not knowing how her son was. But our experienced chief immediately assured her that he was okay and directed her to the ambulance where he was being checked out and kept warm. I saw compassion and empathy in our chief in that moment — as if he had put himself in that panicked mother’s shoes and understood exactly what she needed to hear to stay calm.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
In addition to providing fire, rescue, and EMS services to our town, we also host community events such as movie nights, fire awareness and preparedness programs for our elementary school, ice skating events, a post-Christmas tree pickup and burn event, meal trains, open houses, and more — all to serve our small community — a community that is also our friends and neighbors.

Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at https://makemeafirefighter.org/.