Helping your neighbors when they are in need is a huge part of volunteer firefighting. The hours of training are rewarding when it comes to serving the community. Donald Schlier, New Columbus assistant fire chief, says he’s following a family tradition.

“My grandfather was a firefighter in Lehighton. I figured I’d follow in the family footsteps,” Schlier said.

He joined the Nesquehoning fire department in 1980, when he was a 14-year-old in high school. After high school, he joined the military as a part of the 82nd Airborne, where he served from 1983-86.

After he returned from serving, he wanted to provide a service to the community.

“I was watching TV with my brother-in-law when we saw a program that advertised the need for volunteer firefighters,” Schlier said. “My brother-in-law and I decided to join the New Columbus fire company.”

Working his way through the ranks took a lot of dedication and countless hours of training.

As a firefighter, he spends a lot of time taking various classes such as vehicle rescue, hazardous materials, flash over and essentials which enable him to go into the interiors of burning buildings. Time is spent working in different environments, especially frigid winters and hot summers. The fire company trains and services vehicles and equipment every Monday night.

Schlier’s son Tyler is also following the tradition. He has been going to the firehouse with his father since he was 4 years old. Later, he joined the fire company when he turned 14 and has been a volunteer firefighter for 10 years.

Schlier, though a retired member of the Nesquehoning ambulance after serving for over 10 years, still puts his experiences to good use and helps others whenever he encounters a situation where someone needs medical attention.

He is currently a part of the Red Knights motorcycle club, a motorcycle group made up of all volunteer firefighters. They travel to different fire departments to show their support by taking part in their breakfasts, block parties and other fundraisers.

“It’s always nice to help your neighbors. When someone is in need, and the fire alarm rings, we go. No questions asked. We don’t look for anything in return. We are just out there to help our neighbors,” said Schlier.

There’s no feeling like potentially going to the worst day of someone’s life and being the person that is there to help.

But the only fears Schlier has are not being able to find someone in a burning building or getting hurt at an emergency scene. “It is always in the back of your mind, but you put it aside and do what you are trained for,” he said.

He stresses that fire companies are always looking for volunteers. Whether you are looking to be a firefighter or just looking to help your community. Fire companies could always use volunteers for functions such as fundraisers or breakfasts.

The New Columbus fire company hosts a breakfast the third Sunday of every month. The breakfast runs from 8 a.m. to noon. The New Columbus fire company has 15 volunteers all between the ages of 20-58. If looking to volunteer at the fire company, stop up on a Monday night for an application. Junior firefighters must be 14 years old to join.