Name:  Michael Natysyn

Age:  56

Lives:  Emmaus

Family:  He is married to Terry Ann, and has two children and one 3-year-old grandson.

Job:  PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation)

Fire company:  Macungie Fire Company

Training so far: “There is a lot of training, which is ongoing.  We have to stay up-to-date on everything.  There are classes and training every week.”

What's it like being a firefighter? “I like it. I’ve been involved for 30 years and have been the chief here at Macungie for the past three years.  Previously, I was the assistant chief at Emmaus and Upper Milford.”

How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life in danger? “There are a lot of ups and downs on a lot of calls, but my family supports me.  Actually, my wife worries more about my job with PennDOT, that I might get hit by a car while working.”

Tell us a story you'll never forget about your firefighting experience. “I don’t really have any stories—every situation is different.  Although, I started as a junior firefighter at the age of 16 as a challenge with another friend while in high school.  Well, I’m still here—he isn’t.”

What would you tell people interested in joining your fire company? “It’s a great opportunity.  There’s a lot of work and training involved but it can be very rewarding, especially when you save someone or their house.”

Do you know a volunteer firefighter who Patch should profile? Contact mariella.savidge@patch.com