Mike Lemm
Lawyer. Entrepreneur. Father. Volunteer Firefighter.
Two years ago, Mike Lemm came to the Glen Ellyn Fire Company on a different path from most volunteers—he moved to Glen Ellyn in order to join. In fact, he attended a “Meet and Greet” event to learn more about volunteering before he lived in Glen Ellyn.
Mike, who currently runs an early-stage technology company, was working as a lawyer when he discovered the fire company. “I was looking for opportunities to serve the community outside of work,” says Mike. “One of the things I loved most about practicing law was the pro bono work—representing people who didn’t have the means. I felt meaning in being there for people in what was often one of the most difficult moments of their life and wanted to find another avenue to do that kind of work.” He was familiar with the concept of volunteer fire companies from his days in college in upstate New York, where volunteer fire companies are the norm. He ran a Google search to find volunteer companies in Chicagoland and found the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company.
After attending the Meet and Greet, he decided it was a good fit. “Because of the demands of firefighting, I imagined the other volunteers coming from more physically demanding jobs. But I met people who also worked in an office setting by day and were firefighters by night,” says Mike. He fell in love with it—and it was only then he started his house search.
During the house search process, he got his first glimpse at what he considers one of the best parts of the Company—the people he serves with. A lieutenant who he had just met helped him find home listings that might work and offered to help with the move. “It’s a testament to the kindness and decency of the people who make up the company,” says Mike. “It sounds cliché, but it really does feel like a home away from home.”
And since then, he is constantly amazed that just a few years ago, he didn’t know any of the other sixty-plus volunteers. At his first structure fire call, one of the things that struck him most was the overwhelming sense of safety he felt. “I looked around and realized how much I trusted the people around me,” says Mike. “I knew I was trained and that everyone was looking out for me. Just a few months ago I didn’t know any of them. And now I trusted all these people, knowing they would have my back.”
“The most successful volunteers combine their curiosity to learn with their desire to help people. They are willing to learn a new skill set and be challenged because they want to be ready when their neighbors need them most.” ~ Mike Lemm
That feeling of trust is a theme for him as a firefighter. Mike is honored at the sense of trust the community of Glen Ellyn bestows on the company, which the volunteers work hard to earn. “A lot of people laugh at us that so many firefighters report to a routine fire alarm call in the middle of the night. What isn’t captured though is the impact that simply being there has on the family who made the call,” says Mike. “And I think that’s what matters most. They know that their fire department—their neighbors—will be there no matter what. It’s important to have that strong element of trust from the people we serve. That is a rewarding honor that you get through service.”
Mike completed his training and is now a full fledged volunteer firefighter—so we asked the most important question—is he glad he moved to join the Company? “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” says Mike. His family is thrilled too. His 7 year old daughter loves visiting the station to try on his gear, check out the vehicles, and go to family events. When people ask what her dad does for a living, she skips over his tech company entirely and reports proudly: he’s a firefighter.
“You are called several times a week to help your neighbors in one of the most challenging moments of their lives. You get to have an impact when it matters most.” ~Mike Lemm
Mike’s top three reasons to volunteer:
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It’s one of the most tangible and direct ways to serve others. “You are called several times a week to help your neighbors in one of the most challenging moments of their lives,” says Mike. “You get to have an impact when it matters most.”
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The team. “You get to work with some of the finest people you’ll ever encounter,” says Mike. “I didn’t know any of these people a few years ago, and now they are a second family. That’s a special thing to have.”
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It’s fascinating. “You get to learn an entirely different skill set—both physical and mental. This is helpful in firefighting, but also in every other aspect of your life.” says Mike.
