New Volunteers Energize Upper Moreland Fire Department’s Ranks

In Upper Moreland, a growing number of residents are stepping up to serve their community as volunteer firefighters. Among them are Nashea “Nash” Fable, Laura Norris, and Alfredo Oliveira, who have joined the Upper Moreland Fire Department in response to its ongoing need for volunteers. These individuals not only seek personal growth but are also making significant contributions to the community, according to Fire Chief Edward Glassman.

The recent June storm showcased the impact of these new recruits. Chief Glassman noted that during this severe weather event, the department handled 28 incidents within just an hour and a half, thanks in part to the additional manpower provided by the new volunteers. “They give us depth,” he stated, highlighting how their involvement allowed the department to staff a second fire station during an emergency.

The Upper Moreland Fire Department is actively seeking more volunteers. Those interested can visit uppermorelandfire.org for information on how to get involved. Training and gear are provided at no cost, and participants can also receive overnight stipends for their service.

For Oliveira, 42, the call to volunteer was deeply personal. Growing up in Brazil, he had a life-changing experience when firefighters rescued him from a car accident. His commitment to becoming a first responder solidified when his young son suffered an electric shock and received vital help from emergency medical technicians. After establishing a successful cleaning business with his wife, Cristiana, Oliveira found the time to fulfill his long-held promise to serve as a firefighter.

“The adrenaline kicked in whenever the siren went off,” Oliveira shared about his experience during the June storm. He expressed satisfaction in being able to assist those in distress, saying, “It was great to be helpful, to be able to make a difference.”

Building Community Through Service

Norris, 40, also sought to connect with her new community after moving from Philadelphia to Upper Moreland with her husband, Ian, and their two daughters. Inspired by a sign calling for volunteers, she decided to join the firefighting team. She already had a unique perspective, as her husband is a firefighter in Philadelphia.

Her journey has been supported by the excellent training offered by the fire department and the encouragement from experienced firefighters. On her first call to a vehicle fire, she was guided through the process, feeling both challenged and accomplished when she successfully helped extinguish the flames. “They want you to learn,” she said, emphasizing the camaraderie and support she has found among her colleagues.

Oliveira echoed this sentiment, noting that the sense of community he found at the firehouse has been an unexpected joy. “I was always working and never really got to know many people in the community. Now, I have a lot of good friends at the fire station,” he said.

Fable, 28, who has lived in Upper Moreland since she was three, also felt a strong desire to give back to the place that shaped her. After completing a master’s degree in communications from Temple University, she decided to join the fire department. “What could I give back to my community that helped raise me?” she recalled asking herself.

As she completes her training, Fable has enjoyed learning practical skills, such as operating firefighting equipment and managing high-pressure situations. During a live burn training session, she faced intense heat but remained committed to her role. “It was awesome,” she said, reflecting on the teamwork involved in extinguishing the fire.

Fable also cherishes the friendships she has developed within the firehouse. “It feels like a big family,” she said, noting that they often share meals together. “Everyone works really hard, and this is something I could do for them,” she added, attributing her organizational skills and love of cooking to the communal dinners they enjoy.

Continuing the Call for Volunteers

The Upper Moreland Fire Department continues to seek additional volunteers to bolster its ranks. Chief Glassman emphasized that the department’s ability to effectively respond to emergencies relies on community involvement. Training and gear for new volunteers are provided at no cost, making it an accessible opportunity for those interested in serving.

By joining the fire department, volunteers like Fable, Norris, and Oliveira are not only enhancing their own skills and confidence but are also making a significant impact on their community. Their stories illustrate the personal motivations that drive individuals to take on the challenges of firefighting, creating a stronger, more resilient community in Upper Moreland. Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about volunteering at uppermorelandfire.org.