Volunteer Spotlight: John Lilburn

Name: John Lilburn
Title: Captain
Department: Holcomb Community Fire Department
Location: Holcomb, KS

Why are you an NVFC member?
The NVFC does a really good job of keeping me informed of issues revolving around the volunteer fire service in America, as well as providing great training opportunities. They also have resources to help volunteer departments with numerous things including funding, grant writing, and SOP/G’s, just to name a few.

What is your occupation?
Bus driver

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
To give back to my community.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
1991

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
Helping to train a new firefighter and seeing them “get it” for the first time.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
Over the years I’ve participated in numerous community events with the fire department, including car seat safety checks, fire safety demonstrations, fire extinguisher demonstrations, 911 demonstrations, etc. I always like to get involved in the community and educate the community as much as possible. A man much wiser than me several hundred years ago said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” I’m always up for doing public education and fire prevention activities. Because at the end of the day, if I can prevent someone from having the worst day of their life, then I think I’ve done my job better.

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