Thanks to his background as an auto mechanic, Paul Radetzky was assigned as a colonel’s driver and mechanic in the U.S. Army in 1971. Later stationed in South Korea, Radetzky was assigned as a general’s chauffeur. Similar to serving in today’s volunteer emergency services, he was on call 24 hours a day.

“There are a lot of similarities between the fire service and military service. Both are very structured and organized,” said Radetzky. “I came into the fire service with a deep understanding of the chain of command because of my experience in the military.”

Radetzky had always wanted to “ride on the big red trucks” but little did he know when he joined Rockledge Fire Company, it would turn into something more.

“There’s a lot of self-satisfaction when you’re helping people on the worst day of their lives, whether it’s saving someone in an auto incident trapped in a vehicle or putting out a house fire,” said Radetzky. “Your community needs you.”

On top of pride and self-satisfaction, volunteering is a way to create long-lasting friendships. Even though Radetzky is no longer an active firefighter, he serves on the board of directors and is the chairman for the company’s fund drive.

“Members do more than fight fires together,” said Radetzky.  “I consider my fire company a second family.”

Every Christmas Eve, he joins fellow volunteers as they drive Santa Claus in the fire truck around the community to wave to neighborhood kids. The volunteers also hold car shows, fundraisers and during COVID-19 they rode by people’s houses on their birthdays and anniversaries.

“I would estimate that 95% of my friends are the fellas I volunteer with,” said Radetzky. “I’ve been to their weddings, been there when they started having kids and watched the kids grow up to join us as active members of our fire company.”

For more on the Rockledge Fire Company, you can visit their Facebook page and website.

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