By Rick Dandes
POTTS GROVE -- Shortly after Allen R. Reynolds, 62, left the U.S. Air Force in 1969, returning home to Potts Grove with his wife, Carol, he volunteered to join the town's fire company. It was March of the same year.
"I knew some people who were in the company and they encouraged me," he said. "I didn't know anything about being a firefighter, but it seemed like the right thing for me to do at the time."
Forty years later, Reynolds, who last summer was given the honorary title Chief Emeritus, is every bit as committed and enthusiastic about serving his home town as he was the day he joined.
"Raymond Croman was the fire chief back then," Reynolds said. "He had been chief since the 1950s and he taught us a lot. When I started we had one high pressure fire truck with two hoses that could only get 30 gallons a minute, which made it difficult to fight fires."
Three years after he joined, the guys in the company talked him into running for, and eventually becoming assistant fire chief.
"I was still wet under the ears," he said, with a laugh.
"By the early 1970s, as a unit, we were beginning to see what could be done as firefighters," Reynolds continued. The Milton Fire Department ran a series on fundamentals and about 12 of the Potts Grove volunteers took the courses. Then, Reynolds and others went to Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in the fall of 1974, educating themselves on topics that provided intermediate, advanced, and specialized training in firefighting, rescue, command and other emergency services skills.
Reynolds learned over the years that fire and rescue personnel have two main objectives: "First, to save lives," he said. "And second, to save property."
Barn fires are the hardest ones to contain. "Once a barn catches fire, unless you happen to get there right away, it's hard to save," he said. "You simply have to limit the damage."
The most gratifying aspect of the work comes when you help people, Reynolds believes. "If you can keep them safe and preserve their property so there is minimal damage, its a job well done."
The Potts Grove Fire Company currently has 12 to 15 active volunteers, Reynolds said, "and many more friends who help us with fundraisers. They're a dedicated group."
Reynolds, who worked at ConAgra in Milton for about 36 years and PennDOT for the last seven years, pointed out how the families of firefighters should be recognized for their sacrifices as well.
"I remember one Christmas years ago, in the 1970s," he said. "My daughters were 6 and 7-year olds. I received a fire call, very early, three, four in the morning. I don't remember the specifics of the fire, but I do remember that it took more than four hours for us to get it under control. Only then could I come back home.
"The girls, like all kids their age, were impatient. They wanted to open those presents as soon as they got up that morning, but my wife wouldn't let them until I got back home. They were extremely upset and disappointed that they had to wait for me."
Now, years later, they understand that it was part of his job.
