Volunteer Spotlight: Frank Koresh

Name: Frank Koresh
Title: Captain/EMT
Department Name: Black River Falls Fire Department
Location: Black River Falls, WI

Why are you an NVFC member?
For the benefits that are provided to members, and the national voice they give volunteer firefighters.

What is your occupation?
Emergency Medical Technician

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
I grew up with both of my parents being volunteer EMTs and firefighters. I enjoy the ability it gives me to be able to give back to my community, and the challenges that each and every call can present.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
1994

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
There have been so many memorable moments that it is hard to pick them. Having the patients or family of patients that were not doing well that you saved stopping you to say thank you after the fact, or the heartfelt gratitude expressed by people after you save their home or buildings from being destroyed in a fire, or saving a family pet from a devastating house fire are all ones that are at the top of the list.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
Our department does community education on fire safety, as well as basic first aid and CPR. We visit the schools, and have many youth groups as well as adult organizations that tour the station or have us come to a meeting to speak. We have had a smoke detector program for a couple of years now, and when we go into homes for EMS calls, we try to look for safety issues like smoke detectors and fire hazards and offer to help the person with issues found. We especially do this with our elderly callers.

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