Volunteer Firefighters Who Get Screen Time

Earlier this month, we took a trip through the history of volunteer firefighting and focused on founding fathers who also served in this role. But those famous Americans aren’t the only ones who have worked as volunteer firefighters. Some of today’s celebs have a volunteerism past, and present, as well.

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi has had a successful and varied career as an actor. From Fargo to the Sopranos, he’s often known for dark, serious roles. But prior to his fame, he worked as a firefighter in New York City. Buscemi joined the FDNY’s Engine Co. 55 in Manhattan’s Little Italy section in 1980 and served for four years.

After the terror attacks on 9/11, despite being out of firefighting for many years, he headed back to the fire department — this time as a volunteer. He returned to Engine Co. 55 and worked 12-hour shifts for a week, digging through The World Trade Center rubble searching for missing firefighters. He refused interviews and coverage while he was serving, which we think shows dedication that truly comes from the heart.

Mark Bezos

Mark Bezos is the Senior Vice-President of Development, Communications and Events at Robin Hood. This charity is the leading poverty-fighting nonprofit in New York City. What we love most is that Bezos is also the Assistant Captain of a volunteer fire company in Westchester County, New York, where he has been serving for many years.

How did his accomplishments result in screen time? He turned his continuous amazement and motivation by daily acts of heroism into a now famous TED Talk. Listen to his message: Don’t wait to be a hero. Find out how an act of heroism gone wrong led him to this important realization.

These celebrities know the importance of giving back. But you don’t have to be well-known to become a hero. Everyday people make a daily difference in Prince William County through volunteerism with Prince William County Fire and Rescue System. Want to join the effort? Contact us today to learn how.

Are you looking for a change? Here in Prince William County, the volunteer departments provide fire and emergency medical services to the County’s citizens and visitors during weekday evenings, weekends and holidays. Prince William County’s volunteer fire and rescue departments are seeking motivated individuals who have the desire to make a difference and provide an important service to their community. Learn more now.