Lower Mac’s Ben Galiardo: Man of Many Hats

Name:  Ben Galiardo

Age:  70

Hometown:  He has been a resident of Lower Macungie Township for 42 years.

Family:  Ben is married to Paulette for 42 years.  They have a son, daughter and three grandchildren.

Occupation:  “I do many things for Lower Macungie Township:  fire inspector, assistant zoning officer, deputy emergency management coordinator, and the liaison between the township and the fire department and ambulance corps.”

Fire Company:  Lower Macungie Fire Department

Describe your job with the fire company.  “I have been with the department for 35 years and emergency services for 55 years.  In 1998, the name was changed from Wescosville Fire Department to Lower Macungie Fire Department and I was the first fire chief under the new name.  I joined the fire police in 2004 and currently I am the fire police captain. 

“As fire police, we direct the traffic to go around an accident or fire scene.  Some people don’t like to be re-routed, but it’s our job to make sure they listen.”

Why did you choose to become involved with the fire police?  “It’s a family tradition.  My father, uncle and brother were all fire chiefs in New Jersey.”

Tell us a story you'll never forget about your firefighting experience.  “I’ve seen a lot of big fires in my years.  I was at the Dries Building Supply, Dorney Park, the 1760 House, Ice City, the Wax Works in Macungie and more.”

What would you tell people interested in joining your fire company?  “There is a lot of training.  If you want to do it, you need to be dedicated.  Here at Lower Mac, it’s like a family.  These people are your brothers and sisters.”