The Story of Brandon George
W1hen he was 15, Brandon George’s house caught fire. He was the only one home.
Brandon acted fast to smother the electrical blaze and save his home. The volunteer firefighters who showed up were impressed.
“They were congratulating me on the things I did and how I handled it,” Brandon says. “They said ‘I want you on the fire department when you come of age.’”
So, he joined Clayville Fire Department as a junior in high school.
“I always liked helping people,” Brandon says, recalling many years volunteering in the community as a kid and as a Boy Scout.
The current college student says it’s easier to balance school and volunteer firefighting than you might think.
“As long as you have the necessary tools and planning skills, you can definitely work around it and get your training in,” Brandon says.
He points out that not everyone has to be an interior firefighter. There’s always a need for outside help on the scene and around the firehouse. Either way, the experience comes with many benefits.
He counts the leadership skills he’s developed and the quality addition to his post-college resume among those. While he actually volunteers alongside his father who followed him into the volunteer fire service, Brandon’s also gained what he calls his “second family.”
“It’s a nice feeling to know there’s other people that share your same mindset,” Brandon says. “It touches your heart, really.”
