Membership Profiles

Want to know more about who we are? Want to know why our members joined in the first place or why they enjoy volunteering? Below are a few of our members' answers to some of those questions.

Steve Felker - Interior Firefighter/Apparatus Operator/Department Chaplain

~ Joined Fall 2003 ~

What do you do for a living?

Senior Pastor, Christ Chapel

Why did you join CHFD?

My personal mission in life is to make a difference, primarily through serving others, using whatever gifts & talents I have. The energy of CHFD is infectious, and what we do can make all the difference in the world. For me personally, it's been a great fit!

How did you find out about CHFD?

When parishioners were burned out of their apartment at Tareyton Dr., I got engaged with members of the department in meeting their immediate and mid-term needs. It was from that encounter that conversations began, and I chose to renew my participation in the fire service (having served for eight years in Massachusetts before moving here in 2001).

What do you enjoy most about CHFD?

Being able to "be there" when someone needs help and bringing resources and skills they need is tremendously satisfying. There's also a certain "sense of adventure" as well. That, coupled with the excellent "fraternity" of likeminded folk makes serving in CHFD a true joy.

Jeff Hardgrove Interior Firefighter/Apparatus Operator

~ Joined Spring 2004 ~

What do you do for a living?

Regional Sales Manager, Mettler Toledo Hi-Speed

Why did you join CHFD?

Returned to Ithaca two years after College to discover my friends were all gone. Wanted an activity that was fun, fulfilling, active, and would offer the chance to meet new people.

How did you find out about CHFD?

I lived next door and approached during a training.

What do you enjoy most about CHFD?

a) Driving the Fire Trucks
b) Working together as a team
c) Camaraderie - amazing group of volunteers.

Ben Lundell - Lieutenant

~ Joined Fall 2006 ~

What do you do for a living?

I'm studying for my PhD in mathematics at Cornell University.

Why did you join CHFD?

I was looking for an opportunity to help out in the community. I didn't have any particular idea in mind, so when the opportunity to volunteer at the fire station came along, I decided to see what it was all about. I didn't realize at first that the volunteer opportunity was TO BE A FIREFIGHTER. When I heard that, I was hooked. I had originally assumed that I was going to be helping out by washing trucks or shoveling hydrants. Of course, I have to do those things now anyway, but its a lot less tedious when you actually get to ride in the trucks too!

How did you find out about CHFD?

Technically, my wife is the reason I'm a member at CHFD. She was out for a jog when we fist moved to the Ithaca area, and happened to run past the fire station. The big sign in the front yard was advertising volunteer positions, so I decided to go along to the informational dinner. Now I've been there for three and a half years...

What do you enjoy most about CHFD?

Our fire department is essentially one big family. We eat together. We go out together. We watch TV together. When I have good news, I call someone from the fire department. When I have bad news, I call someone from the fire department. I'm proud to be part of such a close-knit department that is always welcoming in new members and their families.

Leah Stoner - Interior Firefighter/EMT

~ Joined Fall 2006 ~

What do you do for a living?

Loss Control Training Specialist, McNeil & Company, Inc.

Why did you join CHFD?

I joined the fire department because I wanted to help people and I thought the fire department would be an exciting way to do it. I had always been interested in working with the fire department, but the area where I lived before only had career departments. At first I was concerned that the FD would only be big old guys with mustaches and that there would not be a place for a woman in the FD, but my concerns were quickly relieved. I'm glad I joined.

How did you find out about CHFD?

I found out about CHFD when I was walking past Appel on Cornell Campus. Firefighters and EMTs from CHFD had a table out in front of the building asking for volunteers and they said if I was interested I should sign up, so I did.

What do you enjoy most about CHFD?

I really enjoy working with the fire department because it is a great feeling when you can do something to make what could be the worst day of someone's life just a little bit better, a little bit easier for them. Small things, like holding someone's hand while they get an IV, or bigger things like getting an accident victim out of their car, or saving a homeowner's belongings from fire are what make doing this worthwhile. The FD is also just a great place to be. You train with people, respond to calls with them, but you are also friends. The FD definitely becomes a large part of your life.

John Tomasulo - Lieutenant/Live-In Bunker

~ Joined Fall 2007 ~

What do you do for a living?

Cornell University Student, Hotel School

Why did you join CHFD?

I have always been interested in the fire service. I joined a fire station near my house in New Jersey when I was in high school, and fell in love with in fire service. I wanted to continue firefighting when I was away at college, and CHFD seemed to be the best fit.

How did you find out about CHFD?

From my freshman finance professor.

What do you enjoy most about CHFD?

I enjoy the department's professional atmosphere.