Meet the AFC Volunteers
Brandon Cole
Posted 04/15/2021
Q: How old are you?
A: 20 years old
Q: What town do you live in?
A: Toughkenamon, PA
Q: What town did you grow up in?
A: Toughkenamon, PA
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: Kennett High School
Q: What company do you work for?
A: Borough of South Coatesville
Q: How many years have you been a volunteer first responder?
A: 6 years
Q: How long have you been a member of AFC?
A: 6 years
Q: What is your current role/position/title at AFC?
A: Lieutenant
Q: What other roles/positions/titles have you held at AFC?
A: Hoseman, Interior Firefighter
Q: What other fire/first responder agencies do you volunteer with?
A: Modena Station 37
Q: What fire-related certifications have you earned?
A: Interior Firefighter, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR, and Fire Police
Q: How old were you when you joined AFC?
A: 14 years old
Q: Why did you choose to become a volunteer at AFC?
A: Family tradition
Q: When/how did you become interested in volunteering as a first responder?
A: Hanging out with my dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather at AFC my whole life.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a first responder?
A: Helping the community and hanging out with friends.
Q: What was one difficult problem that you had to overcome?
A: Seeing deceased people after accidents or other calls.
Q: Why do you think people should become first responder volunteers?
A: To help their community and to build life-long friendships.
Q: What would you like the public to know about volunteering with AFC or donating to AFC?
A: We are fully run on volunteers and everyone is welcome and needed.
My Story
My name is Brandon Cole. I am 20 years old and I have lived in Toughkenamon my entire life. I went to Kennett High School and graduated in 2019. I submitted my application to AFC on my 14th birthday, the age at which I became eligible to be a Mascot in the fire company. My great-grandfather, Robert "Bob" Massey, my grandfather, Steve Cole, Sr., and my father, Steve Cole, Jr., were very active in AFC as past chiefs, officers, and fire police officers. Having AFC in my family my entire life, and continuing the Cole tradition as a 4th generation firefighter and future officer, aided in my application process.
I received my Fire I certification through the Octorara Homeland Security program when I was 16 years old. This class granted me the privileges of doing even more at fire scenes as an interior firefighter. This means that I wear SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) which are the air tanks that we wear on our backs.
In the last few years, I have taken on more responsibilities and officer positions at AFC. I was Hoseman 23 in 2019 and 2020 under my father and Fire Chief, Steve Cole, Jr. In 2021, I was appointed as Lieutenant under Fire Chief, Harvey Hall. Being an officer requires you to have more responsibilities at emergency scenes and in the firehouse, as well as being a mentor to junior members.
I love what I do at AFC and the service that we provide to our community, and I plan to continue to do as much as I can for the fire company in the future. If you have the slightest interest in becoming a part of a fire company or helping your community, I strongly urge you to apply to AFC. If you're not sure about joining just yet, come to the station on a Wednesday night around 7:00pm and learn what we are all about. Wednesday nights are our training nights where we get together and work on skills that we have used at recent calls. We review what we did well, what skills need improvement, explore new skills, and generally hang out and have a good time together. If you're unsure about being a firefighter and running towards a burning building or the scene of an accident, there are plenty of other things that you can do to help the fire company and the community including fire police, serving in an executive position, and even exploring the emergency medical services that are provided by AFC.
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Javier Garcia Hernandez
Posted 12/11/2020
Q: How old are you?
A: 20 years old
Q: What town do you live in?
A: Avondale, PA
Q: What town did you grow up in?
A: West Grove, PA
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: I attended Avon Grove School District for ten years and then moved to the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District for my Junior and Senior years. I am currently enrolled at Delaware County Community College.
Q: What is your occupation?
A: Part-time sales cashier
Q: What company do you work for?
A: Tractor Supply
Q: How long have you been a member of AFC?
A: 2 years
Q: What is your current role/position/title at AFC?
A: Firefighter
Q: What other roles/positions/titles have you held at AFC?
A: Junior Firefighter
Q: How many total years have you been a volunteer first responder?
A: 2 years
Q: What fire-related certifications have you earned?
A: Firefighter I and First Aid/CPR
Q: How old were you when you joined AFC?
A: 18 years old
Q: Why did you choose to become a volunteer at AFC?
A: To help protect the community.
Q: When/how did you become interested in volunteering as a first responder?
A: I became interested in volunteering as a firefighter when I was 13 years old. I also have a friend who is a volunteer at AFC.
Q: Why do you continue to volunteer as a first responder?
A: To help protect the community.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a first responder?
A: What I enjoy the most about being a first responder is working alongside people who have the same dedication and values to the fire service that I have.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience or call while volunteering at AFC?
A: My most memorable experience at AFC was translating for a Hispanic person because he wasn't able to communicate with the police officers and EMTs at the scene.
Q: Why do you think people should become first responder volunteers?
A: If you are in college majoring in criminal justice or the medical field, the experience of being a volunteer first responder will help you in your career.
Q: What would you like the public to know about volunteering with AFC or donating to AFC?
A: If you become a volunteer, you don’t have to pay a dime for training. Avondale Fire Company will pay for your training. You will get to know people and make new friends at AFC. It doesn't matter what your ethnicity is, everybody is welcome to be a volunteer.
My Story
My name is Javier Garcia Hernandez. I grew up in West Grove Borough. I attended Avon Grove School District until my Sophomore year. I attended Unionville-Chadds Ford School District in my Junior and Senior years. I am currently attending Delaware County Community College, majoring in Administration of Justice. I am a part-time cashier at Tractor Supply Company. I have been a member of the Avondale Fire Company for two years. I was eighteen years old when I became a member. When I was thirteen years old, I became interested in being a volunteer but was too apprehensive about applying because I didn't know how to become a volunteer. After years, I became friends with a volunteer at Avondale Fire Company who gave me the necessary information about volunteering and convinced me to join. My most memorable experience while at Avondale Fire Company was when a young Hispanic male was having difficulty communicating with the police and EMT so I helped them with the translation. Being bilingual is very significant because there are Hispanic people living in our local community who are unable to speak English.
When I was a Junior Firefighter, I was responsible for bringing the officer tools, depending on the nature of the call. On September 9, 2020, I began the Firefighter I training program and passed the course on November 15, 2020. It was a challenging course, but I overcame the obstacles. I met new people during Firefighter I class and I enjoyed the training. If you are thinking of becoming a nurse or majoring in criminal justice, becoming a volunteer first responder will help in your career. Avondale Fire Company will pay for your training. There are many positions you can volunteer for at Avondale Fire Company. You can be a fire police officer, firefighter, EMT, or organize a fundraiser to help Avondale Fire Company. It doesn't matter what your ethnicity or background is. Everybody is welcome to volunteer. I love serving and protecting the community. I know the risk of being a firefighter, but I am willing to sacrifice my life to protect the community. In conclusion, don't hesitate to apply to become a member of the Avondale Fire Company.
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John Watts
Posted 10/13/2020
Q: How old are you?
A: 45 years old
Q: What town do you live in?
A: Avondale, PA
Q: What town did you grow up in?
A: Marydel, DE
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: Caesar Rodney Senior High and Delaware Technical and Community College
Q: What is your occupation?
A: Correctional Sergeant
Q: What company do you work for?
A: Delaware Department of Correction
Q: How long have you been a member of AFC?
A: 2.5 years
Q: What is your current role/position/title at AFC?
A: Fire Police Officer
Q: How many total years have you been a volunteer first responder?
A: 2.5 years
Q: What fire-related certifications have you earned?
A: Fire Police Basic and Advanced Classes, First Aid/CPR, and Hazardous Materials Awareness
Q: How old were you when you joined AFC?
A: 43 years old
Q: Why did you choose to become a volunteer at AFC?
A: To give back to my adopted community.
Q: When/how did you become interested in volunteering as a first responder?
A: In my childhood years, my father was a Fire Police Officer for Delaware in our hometown.
Q: Why do you continue to volunteer as a first responder?
A: To serve and protect our community and aid the County and State in maintaining order.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a first responder?
A: The brotherhood that brings volunteers from all walks of life to help out the community and allows us to tap into everyone’s strengths.
Q: Why do you think people should become first responder volunteers?
A: It is a great way to give back to the community and be involved in something greater than you.
Q: What would you like the public to know about volunteering with AFC or donating to AFC?
A: Avondale Fire Company will pay for your training and help you find a spot where you fit in and feel helpful and appreciated. Being a volunteer is sometimes a thankless job but the people I work with make it worth it. We are a brother/sisterhood that welcomes new members with open arms.
My Story
My name is John Watts, Jr. I’ve been a member of the Avondale Fire Company for the past 2.5 years where I volunteer as a Fire Police Officer. I come from a family that serves its local community be it paid or volunteer.
When I was around 10 years old, my father joined Marydel Fire Company Station 56 in Marydel, DE as a Fire Police Officer. I ran several hundred calls learning traffic control techniques as a young man. Back then, a junior/mascot program was non-existent and they were just happy to have young people interested in volunteering.
After graduating from Caesar Rodney High School, I moved to New Castle County Delaware to look for work. After bouncing from dead-end job to dead-end job, I landed in the Delaware Dept. of Correction. For the past 14 years, I have promoted through the ranks to achieve Sergeant.
After meeting my wife, Janet, in 2015 and moving to Avondale in 2017, I felt drawn to make this community home……And we married in July, 2017. Along that line, I encouraged my wife to take the next step and join our local fire company given our previous experiences in the fire service. So in April, 2018, we were voted in as members. But on May 1, 2018 tragedy struck as I was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left me broken, both mentally and physically. The members of the Avondale Fire Company made their care and compassion known to me and my family. As I was able to attend meetings and be more active, I wanted to join the ranks of the Fire Police in honor of my father who passed in 2014. After completing our training, my wife and I were sworn in in May of 2019 and never looked back.
Being an active member fulfills the final service part that I was missing. I enjoy being in public and representing Avondale Fire Company and the Pennsylvania Special Fire Police. My job is to protect my fellow firefighters and fire police officers by controlling traffic and access to the emergency scene under the direction of the chief officers.
Come out and join us…Avondale Fire Company will find a role for you that helps you fulfill your desire to give back to your community.
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Tucker Aliberti
Posted 07/26/2020
Q: How old are you?
A: 17 years old
Q: What town do you live in?
A: Landenberg, PA
Q: What town did you grow up in?
A: Landenberg, PA
Q: Where do you go to school?
A: Avon Grove High School and Octorara Homeland Security and Protective Services Academy
Q: How long have you been a member of AFC?
A: 11 months
Q: What is your current role/position/title at AFC?
A: Junior Firefighter
Q: What other fire/first responder agencies do you volunteer with?
A: West Grove Fire Company
Q: How many total years have you been a volunteer first responder?
A: 11 months
Q: What fire-related certifications have you earned?
A: CPR/First Aid and Hazardous Materials Awareness
Q: How old were you when you joined AFC?
A: 16 years old
Q: Why did you choose to become a volunteer at AFC?
A: It is in my blood. My whole family has been in the fire service for years.
Q: When/how did you become interested in volunteering as a first responder?
A: When I used to see my dad on the engine going to a call when I was little.
Q: Why do you continue to volunteer as a first responder?
A: I love what being a firefighter stands for. Helping others in need.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a first responder?
A: The brotherhood I have created with my fellow first responders.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience or call while volunteering at AFC?
A: My most memorable moment was when my dad and I had our first call together.
Q: Why do you think people should become first responder volunteers?
A: You will feel great knowing you can save lives as a first responder.
Q: What would you like the public to know about volunteering with AFC or donating to AFC?
A: You will learn so much in a short period of time.
My Story
My name is Tucker Aliberti. I am 17 years old and I currently reside in Landenberg, PA. I attend Avon Grove High School and the Octorara Homeland Security and Protective Services Academy.
Being a firefighter has always been in my blood. My grandfather ran with AFC and my father is a life member at AFC. My father served as a firefighter in the United States Air Force and was an Industrial Firefighting instructor at Texas A&M. He was also a paid firefighter for over 20 years. You could say that I was born into a firefighting family. It’s crazy being a third-generation firefighter because I see how the fire service grows over time. I have learned so much from both my father and grandfather.
I was encouraged to become a member by my family. So when I thought about it, I didn’t hesitate. About one month after I submitted my application, I received a message that I had been accepted as a new member of AFC. I was happy because I knew that I could carry on my family’s legacy as a firefighter with the Avondale Fire Company. I’ve met some of my best friends through the fire service and the brotherhood I have created with my fellow members feels like something out of a movie. I love the fact that I wake up every day not knowing if that day will be full of fire calls or if I will be sitting around at the firehouse and having fun with my fellow members. The quote “We risk ours to save yours” is something that I will always remember because it is true. We put our lives on the line every day to save people in need. Whether it’s at a building fire, an accident, a fire alarm, or an EMS call. We do our best every day to make sure that people are safe in the community.
I have only been a member for a short time, but it feels like I’ve been at AFC for years. The Avondale Fire Company has been around for over 100 years and Junior Firefighters like me are trying to carry on that legacy and make AFC great. I remember riding fire trucks when I was a little kid and I always thought that one day, I would be the one who would be on that truck going to a call. And now my dream has come true by being a firefighter.
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Brandon Michaels
Posted 06/09/2020
Q: How old are you?
A: 27 years old
Q: What are the names of your family members?
A: Lauren (Mother), Alan (Father), Marissa (sister)
Q: What town do you live in?
A: Kennett Square, PA
Q: What town did you grow up in?
A: Landenberg, PA
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: Sanford School, then Avon Grove High School
Q: What is your occupation?
A: Corporate Security
Q: What company do you work for?
A: CTDI
Q: How long have you been a member of AFC?
A: 11 years
Q: What is your current role/position/title at AFC?
A: Fire Company President and Fire Police Captain
Q: What other roles/positions/titles have you held at AFC?
A: Fire Police Lieutenant, Relief Vice-President
Q: What other fire/first responder agencies do you volunteer with?
A: Kennett Fire Company
Q: How many total years have you been a volunteer first responder?
A: 11 years
Q: What fire-related certifications have you earned?
A: Basic Fire Police, Advanced Fire Police, Traffic Incident Management (TIM), EMT-B, Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC), HazMat, Fireground Operations, Pumper/Operator
Q: How old were you when you joined AFC?
A: 16 years old
Q: Why did you choose to become a volunteer at AFC?
A: One of my friends from high school volunteered so I thought it would be a cool idea to join as well.
Q: When/how did you become interested in volunteering as a first responder?
A: I’ve always enjoyed seeing fire trucks at parades and around the area and I’ve always enjoyed helping others, so what better way!
Q: Why do you continue to volunteer as a first responder?
A: I love to help others and once it is ‘in’ your blood, it never comes out!
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a first responder?
A: The adrenaline of never knowing what you will show up to and working with the public.
Q: What was one difficult problem that you had to overcome?
A: I’ll admit it is not all fun and games. When you are at an emergency incident, it is very important to remember the training you were given and stick to it. It can be very easy to not follow your training when you think something should be done a different way.
Q: Why do you think people should become first responder volunteers?
A: As are most departments in the U.S., we are struggling to keep a good group of volunteer members and, instead, we are having to pay people to staff our equipment. Most people think they are too old or maybe not 'smart’ enough. This is not the case! Everyone can help us! I urge everyone if you even had the slightest of thoughts to join, do it. AFC will even pay for your training once you are ready.
Q: What would you like the public to know about volunteering with AFC or donating to AFC?
A: People always look at me like I have 10 eyes when I tell them that the fireman coming to put their house fire out are not paid and were probably in the middle of something else when the pager went off. It is important to remember, without the contributions of the community, both financially and with volunteer time, our fire company would be very different. Even as President, I am still a volunteer member of Avondale Fire Company.
My Story
My name is Brandon Michaels. I have been a member of Avondale Fire Company since 2009. I joined as a Junior Member when I was 16 years old. When I turned 18, I was eligible to become a regular member but left the area to attend college in Pittsburgh, PA. I joined a volunteer fire department in the Pittsburgh area which was where I started my fire school training and earned my Pennsylvania EMT certification.
After I graduated from college, I moved back home to Landenberg with my family. At the time, we lived too far away from the Avondale firehouse for me to get there before the fire engines left the station for calls, so I decided to shift my focus and became a Fire Police Officer. Within a few years, I was named the Fire Police Lieutenant and, this year, I was promoted to Fire Police Captain. I have also been active in the Chester County Fire Police Association where I am currently the Fire Police Commissioner.
In the last few years, I became interested in serving on the executive side of Avondale Fire Company which handles the business operations and management of the organization. In 2017, I was elected as the Vice President of the Avondale Fire Company Relief Association and held that position through 2019. In early 2020, I was elected President of the Fire Company.
I take great pride in helping the citizens of the communities we serve and plan to continue doing so for many years to come. I strongly urge anyone that has even the slightest interest in joining a volunteer department to do it! Regardless of your age or background, there is some way that you can help out and make a difference.
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Janet Watts
Posted 03/26/2020
Q: How old are you?
A: 41 years
Q: What town do you live in?
A: Avondale, PA
Q: What town did you grow up in?
A: Chalfont, PA
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: Central Bucks High School - West, Penn State University, West Chester University, & Immaculata University
Q: Occupation and employer:
A: School Counselor in the Penn-Delco School District in Aston, Delaware County, PA.
Q: How long have you been a member of AFC?
A: 2 years
Q: What is your current role/position/title at AFC?
A: Fire Police Officer
Q: What other roles/positions/titles have you held at AFC?
A: Membership Committee Member and Women’s Auxiliary Member
Q: How many total years have you been a volunteer first responder?
A: 8 years
Q: What fire-related certifications have you earned?
A: Fire Police (Basic & Advanced), CPR / First AID, HazMat Awareness, and prior certifications in EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) and as an EMT.
Q: How old were you when you joined AFC?
A: 39 years old
Q: When/how did you become interested in volunteering as a first responder?
A: In my teens and early 20s I had worked as a lifeguard and aquatics instructor which influenced my desire to take the next step to become a volunteer first responder in the community I resided in.
Q: Why do you continue to volunteer as a first responder?
A: I like to help those in need in my community as well as aid fellow first responders in nearby communities.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a first responder?
A: Helping secure emergency scenes as well as having the opportunity to work alongside other Avondale Fire Company members who also share my passion and drive to give back to our community.
Q: Why do you think people should become first responder volunteers?
A: It is a great way to give back to your community as well as meet new people. There is also a desperate need for more emergency volunteers in most local communities and if more members of the community volunteer, the community as a whole would benefit greatly.
Q: What would you like the public to know about volunteering with AFC or donating to AFC?
A: Avondale Fire Company pays for your training and there are many different volunteer opportunities available to individuals of all ages. AFC also has numerous multigenerational members from the same families volunteering, so spouses and teens are also welcome. My husband, John Watts, and I actually joined AFC together.
My Story
My name is Janet Watts, and I've been a member of the Avondale Fire Company for the past two years, where I volunteer as a fire police officer. I also assist with the membership committee and women’s auxiliary. I was the first member of my family to volunteer as a first responder. I am honored to be able to volunteer in my local community.
In my teens and early 20s, I had worked as a lifeguard and aquatics instructor and wanted to take the next step to become a volunteer first responder in the community I resided in. So when I was 23 years old, and a student at West Chester University, I decided to take an EMT course at the Chester County Government Services Building in West Chester, PA while I was concurrently completing my final semester of undergraduate elementary education student teaching. I then joined Station 55, Good Fellowship Ambulance Company, in May 2001 as an EMT, and also the local fire rescue company, Station 53, Fame Fire Company, less than 2 years later. After a 13 year break from volunteering as a first responder in order to concentrate on my professional career as a school counselor in a public school district, I decided to once again volunteer and joined Station 23, Avondale Fire Company, in the community I now call home since 2011.
While my days of volunteering as an EMT and firefighter are in my past, I have grown to greatly enjoy my new role as a fire police officer. I also enjoyed joining AFC with my husband John, who also volunteers as a fire police officer too. Sometimes we work together on emergency scenes, while other times, due to our varying work schedules, we respond to emergencies separately. As a fire police officer, I assist the fire chief and local or state police by assisting in directing traffic, securing emergency scenes to ensure safety for the community, myself, and fellow first responders, and communicate with the public.
It gives me great pride to know that I can assist during a local emergency, and in return, my contribution as a volunteer also benefits our community. I encourage anyone interested in becoming a first responder to take the first step and volunteer with your local fire department. Whether you are interested in advancing your professional career as a first responder, or simply have an interest in making a difference in your community and volunteering as a hobby, don’t hesitate to fill out a membership application today.
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Ulises Aguilera
Posted 02/10/2020
Q: How old are you?
A: 17 years
Q: What town do you live in?
A: Avondale, PA
Q: What town did you grow up in?
A: Avondale, PA
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: Avon Grove High School
Q: How long have you been a member of AFC?
A: 1 year
Q: What is your current role/position/title at AFC?
A: Junior Firefighter
Q: What other roles/positions/titles have you held at AFC?
A: Junior/ Mascot Captain
Q: How many total years have you been a volunteer first responder?
A: 1 year
Q: What fire-related certifications have you earned?
A: CPR / First AID, HazMat Awareness / Operations
Q: How old were you when you joined AFC?
A: 16 years old
Q: When/how did you become interested in volunteering as a first responder?
A: When I was 6 years old.
Q: Why do you continue to volunteer as a first responder?
A: I like to help those in need.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a first responder?
A: The sense of brotherhood working alongside the other AFC firefighters.
Q: Why do you think people should become first responder volunteers?
A: It is a great way to give back to your community.
Q: What would you like the public to know about volunteering with AFC or donating to AFC?
A: AFC pays for your training and equipment.
My Story
My name is Ulises Aguilera, I am 17 years old and I've been volunteering with the Avondale Fire Company as a Junior Firefighter for about one year. I am currently a high school student at Avon Grove High School and I attend the Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy. I am the first generation in my family to become a firefighter and I am honored to be able to help others. I choose to be a volunteer Junior Firefighter at Avondale Fire Company because I enjoy helping people in need of emergency services and it is a way for me to give back to the community in which I have lived my entire life.
I knew I wanted to become a first responder at the age of six as I watched police cars, fire engines, and ambulances pass by my house. My journey as a first responder began as soon as I was eligible to apply to the fire company. There was a time that I had concerns about challenges that I may not be able to overcome, but as my elders said, “There will always be challenges, but pushing and going out of your comfort zone will pay off and bring success.” This encouragement finally convinced me to submit my application. Within one month, I had been approved as a member of the Avondale Fire Company.
As a Junior Firefighter, my job is to be the “running man.” As the running man, I get equipment off the fire engines at the emergency scene and take it to the senior firemen to help them get their job done. Since I am bilingual in English and Spanish, I also facilitate communication between my fellow first responders and the victims and patients we help when language barriers are encountered. It is a great feeling to know that I have made someone feel comfortable by helping them to better understand what is happening during their time of need. This doesn't just benefit me and my team, this benefits our community.
I get up every morning not knowing if I will be alive tomorrow. As first responders, we risk our lives to help those in need, not knowing what awaits us today or tomorrow. We are the people you see at ACME, Giant, and Wawa. We sacrifice our free time to help those in need. I encourage anyone interested in becoming a first responder to take the first step and volunteer for your local fire department. This is a great start for someone interested in advancing their professional career as a first responder. Make a difference today and be a leader.
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