Get to know a volunteer fireman

PINE PLAINS — In an effort to raise awareness for fire departments, this column will be published on a rotating basis, covering fire districts in the area. The idea is to put a name to a title and a face to a name. Here is just one of the firefighters volunteering his or her time to make our towns and villages safer.

Name: Gary Gent

Age: 35

Fire Department: Pine Plains

Years with department: One -and-a-half

Rank/Title: Interior firefighter

I decided to become a firefighter because: It’s a way to give back to the community and help neighbors. The lack of volunteers. Something I wanted to do since I was a kid.

 Accomplishment I am most proud of as a fireman: The accomplishment I am most proud of is actually joining the fire department. I said for years I would and finally did. Almost every job, training or event is something to be proud of because you volunteered to do it.

Greatest feeling of satisfaction from the job: Every call answered is a feeling of accomplishment because in one way or another you just helped someone who really needed it. We get dispatched from Dutchess County 911 and people usually call for something serious where our help is needed.

Anything else? We have a lot of fun doing things not job-related, like barbecues, clambakes, softball and parades. We also work with the kids in school on fire prevention and awareness. It’s a great time because the kids have a lot of fun.