Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Bittner

Name: Jim Bittner
Title: Assistant Chief
Department Name: New Salem Fire Department
Location: Uniontown, PA

Why are you an NVFC member?
Because of the many resources and opportunities that exist to the membership. This includes opportunities for funding and grants, many training sessions, and other resources that help with sharing information.

What is your occupation?
Emergency management coordinator

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
I am a volunteer because I enjoy helping my community and giving my time to help those that are in need.

What year did you join the fire or emergency service?
1994

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
My most memorable moments as a firefighter are presenting public education opportunities to the community, whether the children or adults, and seeing them making good decisions to safely execute plans in their homes or installing smoke detectors or taking the time to make changes to make the home a safer environment for kids and adults alike.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
We have started looking at ways to participate in community risk reduction and working towards a campaign to get the word out for our community to make it safer and lead the community in the right direction through numerous programs.

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