Volunteer Spotlight: Wayne Buckley

Name: Wayne Buckley
Title: Chief
Department Name: New Ashford Volunteer Fire Department
Location: New Ashford, MA

Why are you an NVFC member?
I am a member because of the great training benefits and the help they offer to the department as whole if needed.

What is your occupation?
9-1-1 Dispatcher

Why are you a volunteer firefighter, EMT, or rescue provider?
I have been a volunteer since I was 15 years old. I really enjoy helping people, and I also enjoy training and being around the people I work and train with.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
1988

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
One of my most memorable moments was one of my first fires. It was a five-alarm tire fire at a junkyard that lasted two days and two nights. I think that was the most tired I have ever been.

The most memorable EMS call I was on was an ambulance call where we had been dispatched to a lacerated hand. It was actually an amputation, and the person was so intoxicated that we had three tourniquets on the person’s arm. The patient made it, and the hand was saved and reattached. The person gained 90 percent use back.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
The department has an open house picnic at the station, and we offer a community CPR class to residents every year.

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