Jeff Waters – Volunteer Firefighter
Husband and Father. Accountant. Outdoor Adventurer. Volunteer Firefighter.
Jeff Waters was recently honored as the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year. Every year, one volunteer is honored with this distinction for their outstanding service and commitment to the Company. The award is given by the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce as part of the Glen Ellyn Community Awards.
“Jeff’s dedication to his family, work, and hobbies immediately translated through to his approach and energy he puts into training, responding to calls, and working with the community. ” – Assistant Chief John Mammoser
Jeff Waters and his wife have lived in Wheaton since 1999, and he has an office in Glen Ellyn, where he is a CPA, near Station 62. He is an adventurer at heart—he loves kayaking, biking, and skiing. He passed this love on to his daughter, who grew up here and has since made a career working in the skiing industry in Colorado and then Vermont. This adventurous spirit also translates into Jeff’s volunteer work—he loves to volunteer his time helping people who are in crisis. In fact, every year since Hurricane Katrina he has traveled to an area where disaster has struck—tornados, hurricanes, floods—to spend a week providing relief efforts.
“It‘s the ultimate volunteer experience if you are looking for something mental and physical. You help people—and you can immediately have an impact.”
So when a postcard about volunteering for the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company landed in his mailbox in 2017, around the time he became an empty nester, he was intrigued. Prior to receiving this post card, he didn’t know that an accountant like him could be a volunteer firefighter. Although his wife was nervous about the risks involved, with her support, he decided to check out the Company’s Meet and Greet.
After learning more, he dove into training with his full heart—but with no prior background or experience. “I appreciate all of the officers and other members who trained me to allow me to do this,” says Jeff. During the training process, you learn everything it takes to respond to calls—how to drive, pump, use all of the tools; how to wear the 60-pound gear and navigate through fires; your role in any given situation. “There is so much you have to know. We aren’t assigned a specialty. We have to know everything. In training, they prepare us to do whatever we are called to do.”
Jeff loves volunteering as a firefighter because it aligns with his desire to provide disaster relief, but he is able to help people in his own community. “As an accountant, I’m stuck inside,” says Jeff. “I like the opportunity to get out of the office when a call comes in. And when something is going on, I want to help resolve it.” Whenever he is available, he responds to the usual calls—car fires, situations at home, and medical call assists. Over the years, he has responded to a few dozen fires. And most memorable, he responded when a tornado went through Woodridge. With other members of the Company, he knocked on doors, making sure people were okay, checking gas leaks, and providing some of that familiar disaster relief close to home.
At over 60 years old, Jeff is among the oldest volunteers in the Company—although he doesn’t feel it. “The other men and women at the fire department keep me young,” says Jeff. He regularly participates in the Company’s community events, including the Fourth of July parade, a 5K, and other fundraising events. This year, he even did the stair climb for the American Lung Association, where he wore the full 60 pounds of gear and climbed over 30 flights of stairs. He was one of only two people over 60 years old who participated. “It’s tough, but for a good cause,” says Jeff. “And the physical challenge is one of my favorite parts.”
Jeff was excited to be named the 2025 Firefighter of the Year. His wife and daughter are very proud. “It’s really an honor,” says Jeff. He was astonished to receive the honor, especially surrounded by so many other incredible volunteers. But when you hear all he does, and his humble perspective of his work, it’s clear why he is celebrated. “If I commit to something, I really try to keep my word. I wish I could do more, but there are only so many hours in a day.”
He encourages others to join the Company. “If you have spare time and want to meet people and help people, you are needed. You can join and immediately help someone who needs you.”
“There is so much you have to know. We aren’t assigned a specialty. We have to know everything. In training, they prepare us to do whatever we are called to do.”
Jeff’s top three reasons to volunteer:
- You get to help others. “It’s nice to get thanks from people, and nice to hear they are happy.”
- It’s a great way to stay in shape. “During training, you are in 60 pounds of full gear, going through confined spaces. It’s an excellent physical challenge.”
- Camaraderie with like-minded people. “The other members of the Company are on the same page as you—they want to volunteer and help people in this same way.”
