Many have been the times when my associates and I in the American Fire Service have come together to discuss where we in the fire business might head in the future. Where is the next generation of volunteers coming from and how can we encourage younger people to join with us? A great many ideas have been put forward and many more are being explored. In each case the need for young troops has topped our list.
It was my good fortune to bump into a young lad from Hummelstown, Pennsylvania at our recent Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association (CVVFA) convention in Delaware City, Delaware. His name is Colton Matthew and he has had a long-standing interest in the fire service. He is patiently awaiting his 16th birthday so that he can become a junior member of his local fire department. More importantly, he has long held an interest in the history and traditions of our fire service.
When he was just 6 years old he began collecting fire department patches and soon expanded his collection to include badges. In the past 8 years he has broadened his collection to include uniform hats, helmets, challenge coins, nozzles, as well as a variety of fire truck miniatures. He now calls his operation the Rescue Operations & Organizations Museum (ROOM).
He is strongly supported by his mother Kimber. She frequently travels with Colton to conventions, fire department events, and fire service affairs throughout the Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey affairs. I believe it is important to note the importance of family support for people in the volunteer fire service. Our most successful organizations are those which are family-oriented. It is important to note that Colton takes his show on the road to honor the fire, EMS, law enforcement and military communities. He strongly believes in the great work they do.
It is my intention to help Colton in his efforts at broadening his efforts. I will be heading over to Hummelstown shortly to donate a WWII German fire helmet, a London Fire Brigade sub officer’s helmet, and one of my old Newark Fire Department Chief’s helmets. Right now these things are just gathering dust in my garage and I think they will be seen by far more people in his collection.
It is truly encouraging to see such interest in the fire service by a young lad like Colton. It will be a real honor to welcome him into the active fire service on his 16th birthday.
