INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW MOYER

Andrew Moyer joined New Hope Eagle Fire Company in 2023 and now serves as vice president of its board. A Solebury resident, he followed in the footsteps of his father, a career firefighter, when he decided to volunteer. Here he discusses his work with the company.

How did you get involved with New Hope Eagle Fire Company?

I was looking for a way to serve my community, and I knew some members who encouraged me to check it out. My dad was a firefighter, so I grew up understanding the importance of having trained, qualified firefighters in the community. It felt like a natural fit. Since joining, I’ve completed Firefighter I and II training. Firefighter I alone was about 200 hours. It’s a significant commitment, especially for volunteers.

What do firefighters do besides respond to fires?

We joke about “smells and bells”—calls about smelling gas or something unusual and fire alarms, but the work goes far beyond that. We respond to vehicle accidents, marine and water rescues, brush fires, and sometimes medical calls when emergency medical services (EMS) needs additional manpower. We may also be called to search for a missing person or help with another situation that doesn’t fall neatly under police or EMS. You have to know how to do a lot of things reasonably well, which is why we train constantly.

How does serving New Hope and Solebury affect your training?

We have such a unique mix of properties. Downtown, you have historic buildings, commercial spaces, and residences packed closely together. We train around places like Bucks County Playhouse and other significant buildings and think about how we would approach a fire there. The large properties outside of town may have gates, long driveways, or no hydrants. We have to think about access and where our water source would be. Knowing the community is a huge part of being prepared.

What do you wish more residents understood about the fire company?

That it’s largely volunteer. New Hope Eagle receives municipal support, but fundraising is still an important part of operating the company, providing equipment and paying for training. Even more than donations, though, we need people. Pennsylvania has seen a drastic decline in volunteer firefighters. We’re fortunate to have a strong company, but maintaining that requires people willing to serve. There are many roles—not everyone has to become an interior firefighter. People bring different skills, and we find ways to use them.

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October Is Fire Prevention Month

To remain safe at home, residents should do the following. Small precautions can make an enormous difference.

• Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working

• Have accessible fire extinguishers

• Create an evacuation plan so everyone knows how to get out and where to meet

• Use chargers and cords specifically designed for individual devices

• Be careful when charging e-bikes, electric vehicles, and other high-powered equipment

• Sleep with your bedroom door closed to slow the spread of smoke and fire

• Know the burn restrictions for bonfires

• Keep fires a safe distance from structures

Photograph courtesy of New Hope Eagle Fire Company