Although 13-year-old Chase Parker can’t officially join West Deptford Fire Department until he turns 14, he has already recruited three members: his dad, mom and brother. Chase’s dad Walter volunteers as an active firefighter, his brother Ryan volunteers as a probationary firefighter, and his mom Christy volunteers as a fire police.
Chase became interested in the fire service a few years ago when he began riding his bike to the West Deptford fire station. He would talk to the firefighters, learn about the history of the fire department, the trucks and tools, and help wash the trucks or sweep the station.
“Ever since then, I knew I wanted to be a firefighter,” said Chase.
While all his family members have different roles at the fire company, together, they make a huge impact on the safety of the community.
“Volunteering is a way to learn new things while helping yourself, your family and your neighbors,” said Walter.
As a firefighter, dad Walter participates in weekly training nights at West Deptford’s fire station and assists with exterior and interior groundwork at fire calls. Meanwhile, brother Ryan is currently enrolled at the Gloucester County Fire Academy and expects to graduate with his Firefighter I and II certificates in February 2024. Since he is not certified yet he can’t assist with interior firefighting but he participates in training nights and helps with exterior groundwork such as running hoses and grabbing ladders at emergency scenes.
“We need volunteers so we can protect our community efficiently and effectively,” said Ryan. “I take pride that my family takes extra steps to help others and I have fun doing it with them.”
Before Chase’s mom Christy joined as a fire police, she waited for Walter and Ryan to return from calls at the fire station and hung out with the firefighters. She enjoyed the comraderie and getting to know the other members.
“They kept telling me to join since I was always there, but I had no interest in going into a burning building,” said Christy. “They told me I could volunteer as fire police, so I officially joined.”
As a fire police, Christy ensures the safety of first responders and the public at chaotic emergency scenes by assisting with traffic and crowd control.
Chief David Raso hopes the Parker family’s story will inspire others.
“While we are seeking volunteer firefighters, we have other roles available,” said Chief David Raso. “We have positions for fire police, junior firefighters and active firefighters. No experience is necessary as we provide all the training and equipment.”
Regardless of what role they volunteer in, all Parker family members agree that West Deptford Fire Department is a second family to them.
“It’s more than fighting fires, it’s about bonding and sharing stories, laughing with each other and hosting events that the community can enjoy,” said Ryan. “I’m grateful my little brother encouraged me to join and we can do what we love together.”
Those interested in joining a second family and volunteering can learn more or sign up at www.westdeptfordfirefighter.org.