Edward Rush – Lewes, DE

Name: Edward Rush
Title: Firefighter/EMT
Department: Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department
Location: Lewes, DE

Why are you an NVFC member?
As a former VCOS/IAFC board member, I am acutely aware of the value that organizations such as the NVFC add to the fire service as a whole and particularly to the volunteer sector. Advocacy, training and education opportunities, and networking are the three main areas that I see as particularly important.

What is your occupation?
Retired career fire chief

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
As the son of a long-time volunteer firefighter, I pretty much grew up around the fire station. It was in my blood. But my main reasons for continuing to serve are multi:

  • A desire to serve my community and a sense of obligation
  • The excitement that comes from the job
  • The camaraderie that is provided by being part of a fire department family

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
1976

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
I have served almost 47 years in four different departments. I have had my share of “big” moments. But what is most memorable to me are many of the small moments that make you realize how important our job is. The quick hug and thank you from a grateful family member after administering first aid to their loved one, the hot cup of coffee at 3am from the Red Cross volunteer at the house fire when it’s 5 degrees out, the conversation around the tailboard decompressing after the double fatal MVA. No one memory stands out in particular, but the sum of them make for an extraordinary career as a volunteer.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
The greatest contribution is obviously giving the community members the ability to sleep well at night knowing that they are well protected from fire, injury, and illness by our being there. Almost as important is the joy we are able to bring to the community by our outreach efforts, such as displaying our equipment during the National Night Out or at our annual open house, or bringing Santa Claus out to all of the neighborhoods on a fire truck during the holiday season.

Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.