On Duty with Jeff, Firefighter.

"On Duty" are posts in which we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love.

What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?

      At TheFireStore I work in the Bids & Quotes Department. I prepare competitively priced quotes for customers so they can purchase our products at a reasonable price. This helps our customers with being able to serve their communities with the best equipment while not exceeding their budget.  

In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving?

      I have been a firefighter for 8 years. I joined the Minquas Fire Company No.2 of the Downingtown Fire Department during my freshman year of high school. I started off as a junior firefighter and most recently held the rank of Lieutenant during the years of 2010 and 2011.  

What do you love most about being a Firefighter?

      I really enjoy the “brotherhood” of the fire service. We are a family that depends on each other to get the job done in a time of another persons need. There is no greater feeling then seeing a group of firefighters work as a team to save someone’s life or assist a person when they need it most.  

Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?

      Yes, because it helps me better understand the needs of the service as a whole. I have learned about many new products here that customer’s have given me their opinions on that I have taken to my fire company. It also has given me a different perspective on how to budget costs while ensuring we still can serve the community with the best equipment.

How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers? Any specific examples?

      I feel my knowledge in the fire service has reflected the customer service I have been able to provide to our customers. For example, if a customer has a question about one our products that I have personally had experience with I can offer my opinion or knowledge about the product. I believe we are the best company that truly reflects “firefighters serving firefighters”. 

On Duty with Alex, Firefighter/EMT.

On Duty are posts in which we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love.

What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?
I work in Sales Support at TheFireStore.  I deal with most things having to do with Outside Sales.  I work closely with the salesmen to ensure their orders go smoothly.  My daily responsibilities include checking the status of orders, availability of products, turning proposals into orders, and various other things that come up on a daily basis.

In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving?
I serve as a volunteer firefighter for Enterprise Fire Co. of Hatboro.  I’ve been a member there for about 9 years.  I have served a year as Lieutenant and currently hold the rank of Captain which I’ve held since January 2010.  I also serve on the Board of Directors and the Relief Association.  I’ve been in the EMS field for about three years.  I am a volunteer EMT with my local ambulance service.

What do you love most about being a Firefighter/EMT (fill in the blank)?

What do I love most about being a firefighter/EMT is a hard question.  I love everything about it.  First & foremost is the feeling you have knowing you've helped someone that was in a bad situation.  The brotherhood that comes with the emergency services is another great aspect.  They become your second family.

Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?
I love working in the fire service in both my personal and professional life.  I get to work with one of my passions everyday.  Plus it gives me an inside look at all the new and upcoming equipment.

How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers? Any specific examples?
I think my experience has certainly helped with aid to the customers.  Having a firefighting background makes it easier to relate to what someone may be asking about.  I think it also helps me give better advice since I have a bit more knowledge about the equipment having used most of it on many occasions.

On Duty with Benn, Firefighter.

On Duty are posts in which we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?


Quoting and preparing bids for federal fire, police and military organizations.
I have frequent contact with representatives of these organizations. I suggest products and answer their question about the goods they are looking to purchase.



In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving?


I have been in the fire service for 27 years, I started as a Junior Fireman when I was 16 with the Penn Wynne Fire Company in Lower Merion Township. I am also an active fireman in the Brookline Fire Company in Delaware County.



What do you love most about being a Firefighter?


First and foremost I enjoy serving my community. I also enjoy the camaraderie and the brotherhood of the fire service. I have met many outstanding people and have maintained friendship through the fire service. My fire company works with special needs adults, I am always amazed at their excitement in seeing the fire equipment up close.



Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?


I do because firefighting is one of my passions and I am lucky to be able to work my passion into my career. 



How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers?


I feel my fire service experience has helped me tremendously because I use the equipment I sell. When customers have questions I am usually able to answer them based on my own experiences.

On Duty with Scott, Firefighter.

On Duty are posts in which we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?


When I first started at TheFireStore I was an Accounts Payable Associate. I entered HQ invoices, and also would file invoices in alphabetical order. I also received checks to pull for payment. I recently moved into the Returns Department, which I am still in the learning process of everything there is to know about Returns.


In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving? 


I am a Firefighter. I have been serving for 9 years.

What do you love most about being a Firefighter?


The thing I love most about being a Firefighter is helping my community, and also helping my fellow brothers and sisters in the fire service. My fire department is like my second family and the fire chief and his wife make sure we all get together once in while just hang out or go to dinner as group.


Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?


I do! It nice to talk to fellow firefighters in the office and the different situations they have been in. It also nice to talk to vendors about their products, and how I have used them in my fire department, too. My knowledge keeps growing everyday with new and improved products.


How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers? 


Yes! I get to familiarize myself with different types of equipment and how they are used in different ways. For example, we just recently purchased through TheFireStore some new Struts which are made easier to use by putting in place, then twisting the top of the strut, then locking into place. Unlike our old struts where you had to use a pin method. It has come in handy on our Rescue Truck. We also recently purchased a new Engine in which we purchased new tools from TheFireStore. 

On Duty with Butch, Fire Chief

On Duty are posts in which we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?

 I am the Sr. Sales Support Associate, for 2 of our Sale Associate's; Jay Abel and Mike "O". I also help and assist Kevin Greenlee our South Jersey Sales Associate, with New Jersey customers that call into the call center or fax in orders.

In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving? 


I am a Life time Member of the Concordville Fire & P.A. and the Bethel Twp Hose Company; both are in Delaware County, Pa.

What do you love most about being a Firefighter?

I have been a Chief Officer for Concordville since the 1970's up to and including 2008, that’s 4 decades, as Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, and Asst Chief, something I'm very proud of. I am a 3rd generation VFF, and my children are the 4th generation of family fire fighters/EMT.


It was the thing to do when I was old enough to become a member. It was a way of giving back to the community, helping someone in their time of need, and in my case it was keeping up the family tradition.


Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?


Yes I do/did, because you build a brotherhood/sisterhood with the people you see everyday and meet, it's almost like a second family. You learn to come to respect them and know they have your back and that they will be there for you.


How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers? Any specific examples?


I have forged some great friendships over the years with different fire chiefs and members of their fire companies. I'd like to think I have a following of friends/fire companies that I bring to the table, as customers, either as new or better customers than we had in the past. 

On Duty with Jay, Lieutenant Firefighter

On Duty are posts where we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail? 



I am a salesmen in the Outside Sales Department. I deal directly with our local customers in Chester, Delaware, Cecil and New Castle counties. We work directly with the customers doing product demos, training and equipment sizings. We also act as a trusted advisor for fire companies to make decisions that will best suit their needs. Our job is very service-oriented which includes being available to our customers 24/7. This is very important to the success of our sales team.



In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving?


I have been a volunteer firefighter for 21 years in Chester County. I am currently a Lieutenant with the Coatesville Fire Department. 



What do you love most about being a Firefighter?



Of course helping others is first and foremost what we train for. However, the friendships and brotherhood aspect of the fire service is pretty awesome! I got to see the brotherhood firsthand last year when I was injured in the building collapse at the Millview Apartments. My wife and I will be forever grateful for all the help and support we received from our friends, family and the fire service during this most difficult time. Not only firefighters from my fire department, but the many customers I service from the area were coming to the house to help with anything we needed and made sure I had transportation to various doctor appointments. It was very bittersweet but I saw the best in people after I went through the worst event of not only my life, but the lives of three of my best friends!




Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?


I do, I really do! I get to do something different every day and work with people that have been in some of the same situations I have been. It’s very rewarding to be on both sides of this business.

On Duty with Michael, Firefighter.

On Duty are posts where we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?

I work in the Customer service department. My job entails many different things from giving customer updates on their orders, taking department orders, tracking orders that are coming from vendors, helping customers select the right product for the job they are trying to do and even just educating customers on the products and the product capabilities.

In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving?


I am currently in the fire and rescue side of the service and soon will be adding the medical side. I have been in the fire service for about 12 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it; the good, the bad and the ugly. 

What do you love most about being a Firefighter?


I’m not sure there is one thing I love most about it. I think I just enjoy all of it! The sense of pride we have for our station, our equipment and what we do is part of it. I like the camaraderie we have as a firehouse with each other; there is something to be said for trusting your life with your partner. The work we do may be dangerous at times, but I love it. There is something so rewarding and fulfilling about helping a person in their time of crisis.

Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?


Yes, I do enjoy it. What we do is a lot, but also a lot of fun! There is something fun about having that common interest with your customer and knowing what they are looking for so you can help get the product or service to take care of a specific issue they have. It has also allowed me to give an honest, real world review or insight to into a product we sell. This first hand knowledge has helped customers understand why I recommend a product since I actually have experience using them. It just gives you that much more credibility among customers which is very helpful when you are talking about investing into quality products.

How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers? Any specific examples?

I do very much agree that my experience has aided my customers. In fact, I believe one of the reasons I am good at what I do is because I have the experience and can speak to the customers about the products with first hand information. Boots, gloves, hoods, helmets, and flashlights are the areas that I can really help a customer the most with my experience and knowledge of our products. I love to help them get exactly the product to suit their needs. 

On Duty with Chris, Firefighter/Lieutenant

On Duty are posts where we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

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What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?


I'm the Sales Support Supervisor at TheFireStore, and I oversee the inside support team that supports the Outside Sales staff who are based out of our Abbottstown and Williamsport branch offices. 

In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving? 


Currently I am a Lieutenant serving with the Berwyn Fire Company in Pennsylvania. I have been a firefighter for about 8 years now. 

What do you love most about being a Firefighter/EMT?


I would say that being able to help others and be involved with an organization that has such strong community ties. Also being part of such a strong brotherhood of people is a benefit that can’t be beat. 

Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?


I do, most of the time! It’s nice having a job that deals with something that is such a huge part of my personal life. Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming, but it’s what I know and love, so I always enjoy it in the end. 

How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers? 


Yes, definitely. Customers like being able to talk to someone who has experience actually using the products they are buying. Anyone can be a salesman, but in the fire equipment industry it makes a difference if you’ve actually had to use the tools you’re selling in an emergency setting.

On Duty with John, Firefighter.

On Duty are posts where we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

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What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?

I am a web production associate at TheFireStore. It involves working on the homepage, updating and creating product pages, occasionally helping out with graphics and print ads, as well as anything else that may need to be done.

In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving? 

I have just under two years experience as a firefighter.  I run with the Avondale Fire Company, which is in Pennsylvania close to the Delaware border.

What do you love most about being a Firefighter?


It’s such an adrenaline rush!  One of the best things about being a firefighter is being able to help someone on what is usually one of the worst days of their lives.  I also like the team aspect, the camaraderie, and the laughs with the guys.  It’s cool to be really tight with your team. I’ve known some of the guys in my company since elementary school.

 Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?

It’s awesome to be able to supply the fire industry with whatever they may need to get the job done.  Sometimes it can be busy doing both, but what job isn’t? It’s exciting to see, touch, and learn about all of the latest gear before it hits the shelves and goes out on the street.

How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers?


Being able to be hands on with the products, especially the new ones, and know them inside and out, helps our customers. We’re learning how to best display the product and really pay attention to the details that matter.  Working with the products also helps with my creativity.  It inspires me to design with some style and flair.

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On Duty with Ron, Firefighter/EMT/Paramedic.

On Duty are posts where we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

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What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?

EMS Merchandising Manager is my official title within Witmer Public Safety Group (WPSG). My duties involve establishing relationships with vendors of quality and innovative EMS related products and offering these products for sale to our customers. I work closely with the purchasing department; web department and marketing to ensure the products are properly represented and available for the Medical community.

In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving?

I began my career as a volunteer and still volunteer to date with several departments. I obtained my EMT in 1986 and became a Paramedic in 1990. I’m also a Firefighter and have served as Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and interior Firefighter during my 25 yrs of service. I currently hold the Office of President with my primary affiliate Fire Company and have been in this office for the past 3 yrs.

What do you love most about being a Firefighter, EMT & Paramedic?


I love the thrill of riding to an incident and upon arrival knowing that I can make a difference to the persons in peril or property at risk. Knowing that the training I’ve received and the brothers with whom I serve will work our hardest and try and save that life or property even if it means great personal risk to ourselves. I don’t want or need publicity or notoriety; I do what I do because I have a passion and love of the service which I provide.

Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?


I’ve served as career firefighter and Paramedic as well as a volunteer; I wouldn’t do what I do for as long as I have if I didn’t enjoy the services. These services have provided food for my children and a roof over my head and I am most grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the best service on earth. God made special people called Emergency Service Workers which encompass the medical, fire, and law enforcement fields and I am proud to be one of God’s chosen people to serve in this industry.

How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers? Any specific examples?


I believe my experience level and the familiarity of the services allows me to speak directly to the customer in a language they comprehend. This offers a better understanding and overall experience when they wish to restock their supplies or make a new purchase. Most of our competitors don’t have the personal touch and raw experience behind their sales and service which puts us above the rest in serviceability and satisfaction.

On Duty with Jim Witmer, CEO & Deputy Fire Chief.

On Duty are posts where we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

To kick off the series of On Duty posts, we figured who better to interview than our own, Jim Witmer. The owner & creator, and the man behind TheFireStore, himself.

How long have you been in the Fire Industry personally? What titles and jobs have you held?

I've been in the fire industry since I was 18 years old, in 1972.  I have held the positions of Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain and Lieutenant. I have also held the position of treasurer as well as trustee.

What is one experience you've had being a firefighter that you will never forget?


The Corinthos fire was by far the largest and most intense fire I've seen in my 37 year career. I was 21 years old and in my 3rd year as a volunteer firefighter, and I was a member of Rose Tree Fire Company in Delaware County, PA (just south of Philadelphia). 


The fire was on the Delaware River and involved the Corinthos, a 754-foot tanker carrying over 300,000 barrels of crude oil, and The Queeny, a 660-foot tanker. The collision caused an instant explosion, killed 25 sailors & dock-workers, and burned for 4 days. 


I was on a crew with a 2.5" foam hose line for what felt like forever. We were faced with a lot of danger in that fire, making it by far the most intense and memorable fire scene I've been on. 

What advantage does it give you to be both a volunteer Firefighter and CEO of TheFireStore?

I feel that my experience helps me to see and understand what our customers need and want.

Your story about how this all began will be told in more depth soon but, can you tell us briefly how TheFireStore came to be?

My brother Greg (who passed away in 2002) and I actually started by selling turnout gear racks under the trade name Gearmasters. We saw a need amongst our customers for a helmet parts retailer and we started "helmetpartsource.com". Shortly after that, our customers began asking if we could get helmets, flashlights and other necessities, which birthed TheFireStore.com.

What has been your favorite thing about starting a business of this caliber? 

I get to do what I love as a hobby almost everyday. I love getting to supply firefighters with the best and coolest products out there.

Just for fun, what do you like to do when you aren't volunteering at the firehouse or at work?

I love spending time with my wife, Ruth and with my four children, their spouses and our three, beautiful granddaughters.  You can't beat a summer cookout with our family! I also like traveling with my family doing mission work in both Romania and Zambia, Africa.