Firefighter of the Month: Tony Montemurro

Name:  Tony Montemurro

Age: 70

Hometown: Manhattan, New York City

High school: Cardinal Hayes High School

College: City University of New York

Family: Susan (Wife) 45 years; David (Son); Beth (Daughter); Christy (Daughter); 5 Grandchildren

Fire Company: Doylestown Fire Company

Years volunteering: 9 months

Other Volunteer activities: Our Lady of Mount Carmel….Nursing home communion services; Mentoring young adults; Shils Foundation Charter Schools in Reading, PA and Brooklyn, New York; Past President Yardley/Lower Makefield Jaycees

What really made you want to be a firefighter?

My initial interest was in response to the Doylestown fire company appeal for fire fighter volunteers, which intensified after meeting with the screening committee and learning about the services that fire fighters provide to the local community.

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

It is difficult to select any single experience; however, there are several events that come immediately to mind.

The first was the tribute and respect that was given by the Doylestown fire company to the memory of long time member . Johnny was a tireless contributor to the local community and the fire company. It was touching to see how much he was appreciated.

Another memorable incident was the recent 3 alarm chemical fire on Old Easton Road, attended to by the Doylestown fire company and over 12 mutual aid fire companies.

While the extent of the fire itself was spectacular, it was the fire suppression and support activities that were most impressive to me.

The Incident Command system that immediately sprang into operation and which effectively coordinated the efforts of so many fire companies operating as a team, demonstrated firsthand their expertise. This should reassure community residents that they are well protected by dedicated fire service professionals.

Observing and participating in ground operations at that particular incident, reinforced to me many of the skills taught at fire school and local company drills. A myriad of activities were in evidence from apparatus positioning, fire hose operations, aerial/ladder master streams, drafting, tankers, rehab, salvage and overhaul, hazmat considerations, canteen service, fire fighter and citizen safety to overall incident management.

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

While there are inherent risks in the fire service and many perceive it as a dangerous endeavor, fire company members train constantly and are well prepared by company leaders to safely and skillfully confront emergency incidents.

There are approximately 700 calls per year that the Doylestown fire company department responds to, covering such incidents as alarms, dwelling fires, car fires, brush fires, search and rescue, auto extrications.

The fire company is always looking for new recruits and there are a variety of ways that new members can participate, regardless of age. The company provides extensive training to prepare members for safe operations.

I am grateful that I have become part of this organization, even at this later point in my life. Contact the Doylestown fire company for more information and/or visit the company website at doylestownfireco.org. Any fire company member would be happy to take you on a tour and/or answer any questions that you may have.