A biochemistry student, a financial services professional and a fourth-generation firefighter may seem worlds apart, except for one thing: a shared passion to serve and protect their communities. Volunteering with their local
volunteer fire companies across the East Shore, West Shore and Capital Region, they show that locals from all walks of life can step up and make a difference.
One such volunteer is 19-year-old Benedict Diehl-Noble, who balances college coursework in biochemistry with answering emergency calls. He is one of 173 recruits who have joined local fire companies through the regional Capital Region Firefighter volunteer recruitment grant, funded by FEMA and now in its third year.
Originally from Vermont, Diehl-Noble joined Union Fire Company in September after moving to Pennsylvania to attend Dickinson College, bringing with him prior firefighting experience.
“Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose. Every call teaches you something—about buildings, people, or staying calm in a crisis,” said Diehl-Noble, who credits his local fire company with helping him feel at home in a new community. “You build strong relationships, and those connections help you grow.”
The Capital Region’s SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant supports 21 fire companies across the area, helping them recruit and retain volunteers in an increasingly challenging landscape. The effort continues to attract students, professionals and longtime residents alike.
Devin Smyser, 21, joined Union Fire Company in August 2023. A fourth-generation firefighter, Smyse
r said the opportunity to serve alongside his father has made the experience especially meaningful.
“I’d watched him fight fires for years, but finally doing it with him by my side was amazing,” said Smyser. “My first emergency call was a house fire, and having him right there with me felt like a full-circle moment.”
Smyser is studying fire science at Shippensburg University and works part-time while volunteering with the department. He reflects on how firefighting has brought him closer to his family.
“It’s really cool to be around my parents so much and to share the same passion they have for the fire service,” he said.
For Smyser, the most rewarding part of volunteering is the appreciation from the community and the personal growth that comes with it.
“This kind of work takes you out of your comfort zone,” he said. “You build leadership and communication skills, and you develop a deeper understanding of what it means to serve. You experience things here that stay with you for the rest of your life.”
Bruce Nilson, a volunteer with Camp Hill Fire Department, returned to the fire service after years away. He initially volunteered in high school and college, then rejoined after moving to Camp Hill with his family.
“This felt like the right time to give back again,” Nilson said.
In addition to responding to calls, he now serves as the Department’s secretary while working full-time in financial services. One call that stands out in his mind was a countywide search for a missing person with an intellectual disability.
“It was cold and windy, and we knew time was critical,” he said. “That call reminded me that our role goes far beyond fighting fires. We’re here to support the community in every way we can.”
Nilson emphasized that fire companies are looking for volunteers from all walks of life, not just those interested in emergency response.
“There’s a role for everyone,” he said. “We need people for fundraising, administration, outreach and more. You don’t have to fit into a mold. Every contribution matters.”
As the recruitment grant enters its final year, fire departments across the East Shore, West Shore and Capital Region are continuing to grow, but the need for new volunteers remains dire.
Those interested in joining are encouraged to visit www.CapitalRegionFirefighter.org/Contact to learn more. Whether seeking purpose, new skills or a way to give back, there is a place for anyone ready to serve.
Editor’s Note: To schedule an interview with a volunteer, please contact Cassie Morrison at 215-884-6499.