Volunteer Spotlight: Paul Trovinger

Name: Paul Trovinger
Title: Firefighter/EMT, Driver
Department Name: Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department
Location: Westminster, MD

Why are you an NVFC member?
To see when grants will come out to help my station with money to buy new equipment. Also the training that is given on the web site.

What is your occupation?
Retired firefighter/EMT

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
It was a chain into something that could help out my community. Also to help myself in getting into the profession of being a firefighter. I am a member of two volunteer fire departments in Baltimore County (MD), and currently I am a life member of both companies. I really enjoy what I do as a volunteer. I have a good time with the people that are there and helping other people in the community with fire prevention and EMS services.

What year did you join the fire or emergency service?
1979

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
When the Amtrak incident happened in Bowie (MD) and being there to help out those people who were injured and walking the wounded to a safe place. Also being part of a warming station with the bus from our volunteer company, keeping our fellow firefighters and EMS personnel warm. The other thing that was very memorable about this was sitting in on CISM for those people that were working on the inside of the train.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
By helping out where I can when they have fire prevention day at the fire department. There are times when I cannot get there, but I do things behind-the-scenes that helps to get the word out about fire and EMS safety to the community.

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