For South Lebanon Firefighting Family, ‘Brotherhood’ Runs Deep

Parents often pass their vocations down to children, and the Martin family of South Lebanon Fire Department is no exception.

“There's this term in the fire service we use a lot called ‘brotherhood,’ says volunteer fire lieutenant Eric Martin. “Even though we're not from the same family, we are one big family.”

But Martin quite literally volunteers with his brothers – two of them, in fact. Martin, his father, and his brothers Dennis and Gary all run with the South Lebanon Fire Department, and even their sister Jennifer responds alongside them on occasion as an EMT.

“I think some of my most memorable moments have been spending 10-plus hours straight with them at the same fire,” says Dennis. “That has happened on several different occasions.”

It all started 35 years ago, when Lamar Martin joined Prescott Fire Company.

“I’m a first-generation firefighter,” says Lamar, who has since introduced the next generation of Martins to firefighting. “It's enjoyable. I really enjoy teaching them and having them go along and learn things.”

Lamar joined out of a need for more volunteers, and over the past year, South Lebanon Fire Department has launched a dedicated recruitment campaign seeking more firefighters to its ranks.

“You won’t regret it,” says Gary Martin, describing how he’d convince other people to volunteer. “It’s an amazing feeling knowing you made a difference in your community in their time of need.”

Training and equipment for volunteers is free, and no prior experience is needed. Though the department is always looking for firefighters, volunteers can serve in other roles such as drivers and contributing members who assist with administrative and clerical work.

Anyone can help, says Lamar, “even if they want to come in and sweep the floor or clean the apparatus or help with the fundraisers, that's definitely something they can do.”

The junior firefighter program is also available, starting at age 16, for high school students who want to join the fire service. All three Martin brothers started as junior members.

Eric says that back when he first joined a little over 10 years ago, it was more about the adrenaline rush and getting to ride in the fire trucks – but as time went on, he learned the value of serving the community.

He says it is enjoyable “working alongside the new members and teaching them what we know, because we want them to succeed.”

And as for working alongside his own family?

“We all enjoy it. There’ve been times when it's just been us that have shown up to a call,” he recalls. “We all get along and have a lot of fun doing it and enjoy making memories.”

Gary, too, feels “honored and blessed” to be able to serve with his father and siblings. “Not many people get to do stuff or even know their actual families,” he says, “and I get to do what I love alongside them.”

Despite his early exposure to the fire service through his father, Eric says he can’t – nor can anyone – get complacent. Things are always changing, and there’s always something new to learn.

But one thing he can count on is that his family at South Lebanon, both by blood and by vocation, will have his back. Friendships for life are often forged within the fire department, and the role that volunteer firefighters play in the township is irreplaceable.

“It's just something that I've enjoyed, getting out and helping people and try to make their day better when it's going bad,” says Lamar of his 35 years of service. And with his children following in his footsteps, it seems the Martins will be helping their community for many years to come.

“Hopefully they can pick it up and carry it on when it's time for me to take a back seat.”

Be your community’s lifesaver as a volunteer firefighter with South Lebanon Fire Department. Sign up today at www.FightSouthLebanonFires.org.