Firefighter of the Month: Lori Westover

Name: Lori Westover

Age: 44

Hometown: Doylestown, Pa

High school: Central Bucks - East

College: Pennsylvania State University

Family: Husband, Lynn Westover; Daughter, Courtney; Son, Shane

Fire Company: Doylestown Fire Company

Years on the Job/volunteering: 18 years

What really made you want to be a firefighter?

I wanted to help out my community and to help myself grow as a person.  I always enjoyed working in team environments, and volunteering as a firefighter fulfills that need.

Tell one story you'll never forget about your firefighting experience.

Over my 18 years of service I have responded to countless fires and rescues.  All are memorable in their own ways.  I am currently very honored to be serving our organization as Captain 19.  It is a great experience to help lead this fine organization.

What do you most want people in the community to know about the work? 

Volunteering as a firefighter is a challenging, humbling, but fulfilling experience. We are constantly training and planning so we can better serve our community.  As a firefighter, I have the opportunity to help others and work with people from all walks of life.  Our organization is 100 percent volunteer, which means our members do not get paid for the time they put into emergency call response, training, and administrative duties.

Nominating statement: Westover is currently serving as Captain 19 and doing an outstanding job. In addition to being the first woman elected to a line officer's position in 2010, she also was the first female firefighter of the year in 2009. Both are voted on by the entire company.