Volunteer Spotlight: Zachary Hottel

Name: Zachary Hottel
Title: Sergeant
Department Name: Woodstock Fire Department
Location: Woodstock, VA

How long have you been an NVFC member?
1 Year

Why are you an NVFC member?
To gather up-to- date information of recruitment strategies, financial opportunities, and ways I can support the volunteer fire service as a whole.

What is your occupation?
Archivist

Why are you a volunteer firefighter, EMT, or rescue provider?
To give back to the community I love, to help those around me, and because of a family tradition of volunteering.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
2006

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
One of most memorable moments as a firefighter was when we were able to host a family we had recently helped during a MVC. The family contacted us about saying thank you and they were able to visit with everyone who had participated. Unfortunately one of the family had passed away during the incident, but we had been able to extricate two other family members and help the remainder in the second vehicle involved. Their kind words and willingness to support us touched us all.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
The reality is our department makes an immeasurable contribution to our community each and every day. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, our members stand ready to respond to a variety of emergency incidents. Despite averaging over 550 calls a year, we answer all of them without any career staff and we meet every professional standard needed to ensure our community remains safe. Very few organizations, whether fire or not, can say they do this plus raise money for operations and do an extensive public education program. I always say, each day our department is touching more lives than people will ever realize.

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