Vinh Lu – Volunteer Firefighter
Immigrant. Military Veteran. Location Scout. Volunteer Firefighter.
Vinh Lu has had quite the journey—he immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when he was 3 years old in the 1970s. He grew up in Chicago and moved to Wheaton for high school. Upon graduating, he joined the military in 1991, right after the Gulf War started and served in Korea on active duty for 3 years. There, he met his future wife. They moved back to the United States and after a time moved to unincorporated Glen Ellyn, where he began his career teaching at a parochial school in Lombard.
He wasn’t satisfied with his career and decided he wanted to work in the film business. He found his way into the industry as a location scout, finding locations for movies and commercials. He’s worked on Chicago Fire, Ozark, Wanted (with Angelina Jolie) and Public Enemies (with Johnny Depp). He’s even found locations for Flags of our Fathers, where he got to meet Clint Eastwood, a personal hero. “As I’ve established and settled into my career, I’ve started looking for opportunities to give back,” says Vinh.
Vinh learned of the need for volunteer firefighters in Glen Ellyn from annual postcards sent about recruiting events. It piqued his interest, partially because he missed the camaraderie he had experienced in the military. He also liked the idea of the adventure. “Every year, I would see the post card and thought I should look it up, but didn’t have time,” Vinh says. “It took me five years to decide to call. I got tired of dragging my feet and procrastinating. I thought that if I don’t just try, I may never do it.”
He finally attended an event, learned more, and went through the training program. Vinh’s suspicions about why he would like it have proven true. “I am an adventurous type—I like high octane things. So when it comes to firefighting, it’s the same mentality,” says Vinh. “You’ve also got equipment, camaraderie, friends, and we are all looking to do the same thing. We are working as a team and getting things accomplished.”
Because of his five-year process from being interested to actually checking it out, he recommends that if you are considering it, take the first step and visit. “Anyone thinking about it shouldn’t hesitate to just check it out, if they are at least a little curious. There is no obligation,” says Vinh. “Come by and at least see what we do, how we do it, and get an insider perspective. At the very least, not everyone gets to see what happens in a fire station. Get educated on a vehicle, meet people in the community, and see what’s happening. Here, we have a volunteer department that is wonderful. Get to know it. I love it.”
“Anyone thinking about it shouldn’t hesitate to just check it out, if they are at least a little curious. There is no obligation,” says Vinh. “Come by and at least see what we do, how we do it, and get an insider perspective. At the very least, not everyone gets to see what happens in a fire station. Get educated on a vehicle, meet people in the community, and see what’s happening. Here, we have a volunteer department that is wonderful. Get to know it. I love it.” ~ Vinh Lu
What exactly does Vinh love? He’s really enjoyed the training and getting to learn more. So much so that, when his career slowed down during the pandemic, he took extra training and classes at College of Dupage to become a certified EMT.
He’s also found the exercise of the work to be an unexpected perk. “Because firefighting and training is physical, my health is better,” says Vinh. “Not only do you get to give back to the community and feel good about what you do, but you get exercise out of it.”
And the best part is the rewarding feeling when kids and neighbors appreciate the work he is doing. “I love seeing the smiles on children’s faces and the waves you get,” says Vinh. “That really is what I enjoy. They appreciate what you do. That makes me want to keep doing what I’m doing and to do it even more.”
“I love seeing the smiles on children’s faces and the waves you get. That really is what I enjoy. They appreciate what you do and that makes me want to keep doing what I’m doing and to do it even more.” ~ Vinh Lu
Vinh’s top 3 reasons why someone should volunteer.
- Camaraderie. The people who have gone through training with me are good friends. If they need help, I am there for them, and I know that if I needed some help they would be there for me.
- Training. It’s satisfying to learn new things. I never thought I’d be able to drive an engine, and now I have.
- It’s an avenue to serve. Being an immigrant, I wasn’t born here and feel fortunate to live here. I feel like I would like to give back for everything that I’ve gotten. This is why I served in the military. That’s why I’m doing firefighting now.
