KULPMONT — For Ray and Matt Siko, a childhood spent hanging out in the Kulpmont fire hall with their father led each of them to pursue careers in community service.
“You get hooked growing up around the ambulances,” said Matt, 32, a paramedic supervisor at Elysburg Fire Department.
“It’s all I know how to do,” said Ray, 38, a Shamokin police officer and part-time volunteer at Elysburg Fire Department.
Both men have served as past chiefs for the Kulpmont Fire Department and credit their late father, Raymond, an ambulance chief, firefighter and Scout leader who died five years ago, with instilling in them a sense of public duty.
At the age of 7, Ray Siko recalls asking for, and receiving, 100 feet of extension cord with the ends removed so he could emulate his firefighter father.
“I remember running to the firehouse right from school,” he said.
Watching his father promptly leave the house at all hours to respond to an accident or fire filled Matt with pride and taught him responsibility, he said.
Today, as they did as young teens, the Sikos continue to work side by side in the Elysburg Fire company and still enjoy attending training and fireman’s shows together.
“It’s a family affair,” Matt said. “My dad was an influence and Ray’s an excellent role model.”
In addition to the camaraderie that develops among emergency workers, Matt Siko said, he’s honed skills such as carpentry and mechanics.
“It’s a brotherhood and a huge tradition,” Ray said.
A new generation is now being groomed, with Matt Siko proudly bringing his 9-month old daughter, Sydney, to work on occasion.
“She wasn’t even a month old when she stopped at her first accident,” he said.
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Brothers rooted in community duty
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