Alburtis Firefighter Tony Seimes Has a Degree in Fire Science

Name:  Tony Seimes

Age:  28

Hometown:  Alburtis

Family:  Tony has been married to Sarah for three years and they have two foster children.

Occupation:  He has been an iron melter at Victaulic for just over one year.

Fire Department: 

Training:  “I have lots of training.  Right now, I am learning to drive the fire trucks.  It’s not so easy.”

Describe your job with the fire company.  “I am a firefighter and have been here at Alburtis for one year. Previously, I was with the Pennsburg Fire Department for six years.” 

Why did you choose to become a firefighter?  “My dad was a firefighter with the East Greenville Fire Department when you could still stand on the back of the trucks. And that’s what I wanted to do — stand on the trucks. Well, now I’m a firefighter and you can’t stand on the trucks anymore.”

How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life in danger?  “They are fine with it.  They know it is something I want to do.”

Tell us a story you'll never forget about your firefighting experience.  “I was going to school to earn a fire science degree and was studying arson investigation. At the same time, I was a volunteer at the Pennsburg Fire Department when we got a call for a porch fire on Route 663. It was my first fire and I discovered just how hot a fire can really be. It was really hot. The fire marshal at the time knew what I was studying and said I could help with the investigation. It gave me some on the job training and taught me more than a classroom ever could.”

What would you tell people interested in joining your fire company?  “Come out and meet the people here.  We are a cool bunch and always help each other.”

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