My name is Brandon Balbuena Rincon, and I’m a ninth grader at McCaskey and a Junior Firefighter for the Lafayette Fire Company.

When I first started firefighting the Monday after Thanksgiving in 2020, I had a huge misconception about the job and tasks I would be performing. But as time progressed, I gained perspective and knowledge. 

Currently in the United States, the need for firefighters is high. Over 70% of firefighters in the US are volunteers, and in Lancaster County, the only paid departments are Lancaster City Fire and Manheim Township Fire Rescue. That’s where I and many others in my department come in. 

Our department is well known for its position in the community and our famous orange fire apparatus. We serve East Lampeter Township and Lancaster Township communities from Conestoga View on King street to the Target on Lincoln Highway. 

Yes, that’s a big coverage area—but we don’t complain. The amount of calls we run in a year is high; we usually run about 500-700 calls for service. 

As a Junior Firefighter there are tasks that, under PA Jr. Firefighter laws, I can’t do. For example, I can’t go into a burning dwelling or operate any hydraulic instruments like the jaws of life.  Some activities I can do are setting up equipment on scene, providing assistance to citizens, and assisting on operations in the emergency ground. My job ranges up and down the scale from cleaning the restrooms to responding to calls. 

Many people ask me what it’s like being a firefighter, and sometimes I can’t answer that question. Being a firefighter or first responder in general takes a toll. Some calls are devastating: like accidents, fires, or medical emergencies. The emotional burden we carry is heavy, and sometimes, even traumatizing. 

On the other hand, we are honored to serve the people and are ready to lay our lives down at any given moment. As a teenager, I believe that we are the future of the United States and the World. People are counting on me and my brother and sisters in this job to be the best of people they see on their worst day. I take this job seriously and I respect those who have gone above and beyond for the community they serve. 

Being a firefighter during the COVID-19 pandemic has a big impact on not just me, but everyone around me. It makes our jobs harder because we are dealing with the community and are at risk of getting sick. It also affects the response time from the time the 911 call is made to the time we are dispatched and on scene because of protocols and regulations set by the Township and the department. 

I have learned from firefighting to just be the best person I can be and to be hardworking. I would urge students at McCaskey and young people everywhere to work hard to accomplish your dreams and passions. Spend some time to find ways to contribute your talents to better serve your community. Everyone has something to offer.