Oct 9, 2018 16 min read

This year, five members of Canonsburg’s Volunteer Fire Department are celebrating 40 years of service – an uncommon feat for any volunteer fire company.

It has not gone unnoticed by Fire Chief Tim Solobay, one of the men hitting the 40-year mark.

“When you include (the late) Mike Nixon, who would have had 40 years in 2018 as well, these six guys with 40 years have 240 years of service and gave the equivalent of $18 million in service to the community. Our active membership of 25 members give the equivalent of almost $2 million of service per year at basically no cost or little cost to the community,” Solobay says. “If you look at the names on the memorial outside of the Canonsburg Borough building, all those men have the equivalent of 2,000 years of service to the tune of over $150 million in service.”

But, unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder to increase the roster of volunteer firefighters.

“It’s very difficult to attract volunteers because of the danger of the job; it’s one of the top three dangerous occupations,” Solobay says. “Training requirements, the business of lives with husbands and wives both working and children’s activities pull volunteer time away from free time. All this is being done as a volunteer and it’s something unfortunately 20-and 30-year olds don’t understand.”

Beyond the difficulty in finding volunteers for the CVFD, the cost of equipment has also become an issue.

“It cost roughly $10,000 to outfit a firefighter with gear, radio and breathing apparatus and after 10 years, it all has to be replaced – sometimes sooner. Equipment is expensive. Engines are $750,000 on average and usually replaced every 20 years. A ladder truck or tower cost $1.2 to $1.5 million. Rescue trucks are about $750,000 to $1 million. By the way, insurance underwriters set standards for equipment needs,” Solobay explains. “Canonsburg Borough is required to have three engines, one tower and a rescue or special services-type piece of equipment to maintain a good rating for its residents insurance rates.”

Increasingly, though, it’s finding the manpower to operate the equipment that is the largest hurdle to overcome.

All the more reason to recognize these firefighters who, for 40 years, have served the community well.

Keith A. Flood

Flood joined the CVFD at age 24.

What prompted you to become a firefighter?

My father was a Bridgeville VFD member when I was young. That fact was not a big reason, as I just wanted to give something back to the community.

What is your most memorable experience (good or bad) as a firefighter?

In a mutual aid response to Cecil Township in 1997, in a heavy smoke condition, I fell through a burned floor into the basement. I sustained a couple of broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder. In December 2000, outside on a very cold morning, I slipped and fell on ice and had a serious knee injury requiring two surgeries. To this day, I still have problems with that knee.

During your 40 years as a firefighter, did you ever contemplate retiring?

There were some low times over the years. The good times far outweigh the low times. I am a 40-year active, proud member.

What, in your opinion, was the most surprising aspect of being a firefighter?

I was not really surprised, but I have seen tragic incidents. We all try to forget those times. The “Brotherhood of the Fire Service” is amazing, as we all remember the various calls through the years, both good and bad.

How long do you expect you’ll continue with the CVFD?

I’m not sure. All the guys remember my story, that when I interviewed with the-then Investigating Committee that I expressed to them that I planned to give 10 years of service. Forty years later, I am still active. CVFD, along with most other volunteer fire departments, is not getting the young individuals needed to sustain an adequate membership. My brother, Ken, and I mostly drive and operate equipment to an emergency scene. We both have bad knees that limit our interior fire-fighting capabilities. Chief Solobay often expresses to the Floods, “Don’t plan to go anywhere anytime soon!”

Occupations while serving with CVFD:

My occupations have included being an optician at Martin Optical, located next door to the fire department. My father-in-law owned the business and permitted me to answer day-time alarms (at that time, Fire Chief Joe Scarci and Assistant Chief Bob Smith liked that thought … a lot). I was a sales representative for American LaFrance and then E-1 fire apparatus for a short time. Since 1992, I’ve been a Glick Fire Equipment Sales Representative representing Pierce Manufacturing, Appleton, Wis. I am humbled and proud that I have worked with the department and provided 4-Pierce fire apparatus into the Canonsburg community.

Kenneth A. Flood

Flood joined the CVFD at age 24.

What prompted you to become a firefighter?

I joined because I enjoyed physical work and to be alongside my brother, who had joined a few months earlier.

What is your most memorable experience (good or bad) as a firefighter?

I have had many memories over the years, but one that stands out was in my early years when we had a structure call in the 600 block of Franklin Avenue in the east end of town. Fellow firefighter Kenny Galbraith and I were on the front porch. He had just stepped into the house and I was following when the porch roof collapsed. The roof slid down the back of my helmet and as it hit my shoulders I was knocked to the floor inside the house. There was quite a concern from everyone until they realized that neither of us was injured.

During your 40 years as a firefighter, did you ever contemplate retiring?

Over the years, there have been a couple of times that I considered “hanging it up,” but I am still there by choice, a self-imposed obligation to fellow firefighters and the community.

What, in your opinion, was the most surprising aspect of being a firefighter?

When we first joined in the late 1970s, we arrived on many working fires. Through years of fire prevention education in the Canon-McMillan School system, smoke detectors, better construction and tighter enforcement of building codes, we have seen a huge decrease in actual working fires and less damage to homes and commercial businesses.

How long do you expect you’ll continue with the CVFD?

At 65 years old, I do see myself as not being able to do all that I was able to do in my early years. I still contribute with knowledge, wisdom and experience. We will see where the future leads, as I am still not ready to close the door at this time. I am proud to wear the Canonsburg VFD Class A uniform.

Occupations while serving with CVFD:

When I first joined, I worked at Mathies Mine as a continuous miner operator in the underground coal mine. After the mine was closed in 1990, I became employed at Washington Steel for 6-1/2 years. I then returned to coal mining and ended my coal mining career at the Enlow Fork Mine in 2017.

C. Thomas Lawrence

Lawrence joined the CVFD at age 21.

What prompted you to become a firefighter?

I showed interest at a young age because my father was a firefighter with CVFD. I spent a lot of time at the station while growing up, so it was a natural transition for me to join. I am also happy to say the tradition continues as my youngest son is a member of CVFD.

What is your most memorable experience (good or bad) as a firefighter?

There have been many memorable experiences, but the one that I am proudest of is being elected chief of CVFD. The fact that members of CVFD believed in me enough to be chief is something I will always cherish.

During your 40 years as a firefighter, did you ever contemplate retiring?

I don’t know if I ever thought about quitting, but there were times it was tough when raising three children who were active in sports and other activities. As the years have gone on, the demands to be a volunteer firefighter have increased, with more training and different type of calls. Sometimes I think we all wonder why we do this job, but then we run on a call with a positive outcome, receive a thank you, and a warm smile. That is enough to know why we do what we do.

What, in your opinion, was the most surprising aspect of being a firefighter?

The most surprising thing to me about fire services is the number of good people I have met. Most of my closest friends are in our fire department. I have also made many friendships with firefighters from the surrounding communities. It truly is a brotherhood.

How long do you expect you’ll continue with the CVFD?

I will stay active as long as I believe I am an asset to the department. I am not sure how long that might be. The desire to jump out of bed at 3 a.m. to answer some calls is not what it once was, but when the day comes that I can no longer answer those calls; it will be hard. It has been a way of life for the past 40 years.

Occupations were serving the with CVFD:

When I joined CVFD, I was employed as a heavy equipment operator for a strip mining company. I was then employed by Donaldson’s Supply as a cement mixer driver for 10 years. For the past 24 years, I have worked for the Canonsburg Public Works Department. Working for Public Works has been advantageous for both the department and myself. With council’s permission, I am able to respond to fire calls during the daytime, which guarantees a firefighter is always available to respond to calls.

Mike Nixon

Mike Nixon would have been the sixth 40-year member of the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department this year.

He died on Jan. 25, 2018.

According to Chief Solobay, “Mike, like the rest of the five of us, was an active member even when he was sick. He was the head trustee for many years and coordinated all of the care and maintenance for all equipment in the department, including trucks and personal equipment such as gear and breathing apparatus. With an inventory of more than $4 million in equipment, this was a very important job, and it was all done voluntarily. Mike was one of the main drivers/engineers in the department. When he was operating the engine on a call, it was always a big relief for officers because we knew we would always have water.”

Mike, who was employed by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, was the recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award.

Mayor David Rhome

Mayor Rhome joined the CVFD at age 21.

What prompted you to become a firefighter?

I joined the fire department on my 21st birthday, allowing me to follow in the footsteps of my father, who was an active member for 58 years. My father and many of his close friends were firefighters and were involved in community service. The importance of community service was instilled in me at an early age and joining the department allowed me the opportunity to do my part and give back to my community through public service.

What is your most memorable experience (good or bad) as a firefighter?

My most memorable experience was being able to work side by side with my father, Howard, and my brother, Dale, as firefighters in the same department, and to be able to bring several people back to life. After many years of being the fire prevention officer, CVFD, along with North Strabane and Cecil fire departments, we’ve have been able to succeed in implementing a Canon McMillan School District fire prevention program that reaches more than 6,000 students and staff.

During your 40 years as a firefighter, did you ever contemplate retiring?

When I joined the department, it was understood that if you served 20 years active service, you could retire with a full life membership in the department. Forty years ago, that seemed like a long time, and here we are today continuing to serve our fellow man. In my career, there have been at least three times I contemplated retiring from the department, including when I was severely burned in an incident, when a fellow firefighter and his wife died following a vehicle accident and when we lost our Assistant Fire Chief Robert Smith at a structure fire. Through the upbringing of our senior firefighters, I decided to stay and be a leader in the department and to continue the legacy of the Canonsburg Fire Department.

What, in your opinion, was the most surprising aspect of being a firefighter?

For me, it is the amount of time you spend in training, meetings and maintenance in preparation for the many emergencies that occur. Also, many emergencies are not typically fires but situations that other people can’t handle, which are then referred to the fire department for resolution.

How long do you expect you’ll continue with the CVFD?

I have been serving as assistant chief over the last many years, and I would hope that I can continue to provide the service to our community, my fire department and most importantly to my brother firefighters for as long as I possibly can. I am very appreciative to my family for allowing me to serve with their love and support, and I plan on continuing my service with the department for many years to come.

Occupations while serving with CVFD:

In addition to being a fireman, I was operations manager of Engineered Communications for 35 years, owner of Sam’s Pizza Shop for 20 years and Mayor of Canonsburg for the last nine years.

Timothy A. Solobay

Solobay joined the CVFD at age 22.

What prompted you to become a firefighter?

I joined because I was always intrigued by emergency services and my entire adult life has been that of public service. I had an application in for more than a year before I was approved. At the time, there was a 45-man limit on the roster and you had to be 21 to join. We now have only 25 active members and have dropped the age to 18 with a junior program that starts at 16. This is a national problem, and truthfully a very scary one. It will lead to communities having to go to a career debt that will cost taxpayers millions instead of the several thousand that it costs them now.

What is your most memorable experience (good or bad) as a firefighter?

I have seen unfortunate lives lost from fires, accidents and more recently the drug epidemic, but I’ve also experienced many lives saved in which we were either directly or indirectly involved. It’s hard to pinpoint any particular experience, but we often all sit together and talk about many of them, both good and bad.

During your 40 years as a firefighter, did you ever contemplate retiring?

As frustrating as it sometimes gets with lack of appreciation and support that sometimes occurs from all levels, I can truthfully say that I have never thought of walking away. It isn’t in the hearts of firefighters. We all have that can-do attitude and nothing is too great to overcome regardless of the roadblocks that often get thrown at us.

What, in your opinion, was the most surprising aspect of being a firefighter?

When we first started in the mid-to late ’70s, the responses were basically fires and accidents. Now, firefighters are expected and demanded to be a jack of all trades and handle everything from A to Z. People have become so dependent on someone else handling their issues that it falls on the fire service to handle their problem.

How long do you expect you’ll continue with the CVFD?

At 62, even though my body may say that I can’t do what I did at 25 or 30, my mind says I still can do it. Over the past 30-plus years, I have been fortunate to have been elected by the membership to serve in a line officer capacity of some type and I am presently in my second stint as fire chief. That does usually keep me out of the entry role on a hose line unless we are in another community helping out. Then the young firefighters get to see “the old man” wearing an air pack and going in to fight a fire. That being said, I don’t plan on going anywhere for the next 40 years if at all possible.

Occupations while with the CVFD:

When I first joined, I worked at Washington Hospital and was a radiologic technologist that supervised the CAT Scan and MRI Dept for 25 years. Then I was elected to the State House for 12 years, State Senate for four years and most recently, I was appointed a cabinet member to Governor Tom Wolf as the State Fire Commissioner for three years.