Lieutenant Rich Arehart
Business Systems Analyst. EMT. Volunteer Firefighter.
2024 Firefighter of the Year
Lt. Rich Arehart was recently honored as the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company’s 2024 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 celebrated as part of the Glen Ellyn Community Awards.
Rich joined the company 4 years ago with a total commitment. He enjoys his career in IT, but since he was younger he had always wanted to be a firefighter. “It looked exciting to be out helping people,” says Rich. He didn’t pursue it in his twenties, so after his career was established and he stumbled upon the idea of being a volunteer firefighter, he started making inquiries. When he learned Glen Ellyn offered the opportunity to continue his career and volunteer as a firefighter with full training, he was in.
Rich Moves to Glen Ellyn
The only issue? He didn’t live in Glen Ellyn at the time. So he made the move, knowing this was the opportunity for him. And he hasn’t looked back. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” says Rich. “It’s the best thing I ever did.”
A Love for Training Learning New Skills
Rich enjoyed the training process, and continues to love learning new skills. “The department will teach you anything, from how to use hand tools to how to drive the apparatus. Then once you’re certified, you can take your training even further if you want.” This is something Rich was motivated to do—he went back to school and earned his EMT.
Rich loves to answer calls. For him, it’s the opportunity to give back to the community and to help people in their worst time. “It’s nice to know you can make a difference for them,” says Rich.
It also offers him something totally different from his day-to-day work. Instead of sitting at his desk, he’s going out and taking action. This includes not only answering calls, but also participating in events like open houses, Touch-a-Truck, and community night outs.
“I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Joining the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company is the best thing I ever did, and a great opportunity for anyone.” Lt. Rich Arehart
Rich’s top three reasons to volunteer:
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Learn a new skill. “You learn so much through training and beyond,” says Rich. “The door is wide open for what you can learn.”
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Help others. “We get to be there to help someone on their most miserable day.”
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Give back. “This is the best way I know to give back to the community.”
