Manor fire Lt. Al Markijohn looks on as Anne Highlands and Dan Schaffer loosen the caps of a fire hydrant. After Markijohn yells, "Righty tighty, lefty loosey!" fellow fire fighters laugh, but they know the saying will help them during a disaster one day.

Last Monday, Schaffer was learning how to get water from a fire hydrant during the Manor Volunteer Fire Department monthly training session.

This year, seven new members have signed up.

Schaffer, who joined the fire department two months ago, never had a dream of fighting fires and becoming a hero.

But he does want to help the borough.

"I wanted to support my community and provide a pair of hands for safety," Schaffer said.

Including junior members, the department has 57 members, but it always can use more hands, says Fire Chief Henry Yost.

"Everyone thinks being part of a fire department is low profile, but it's hard to keep up with everything," Yost says. "We have training and fundraisers to pay for equipment. A lot of people today work two jobs to maintain themselves and their families, so it's tough."

Steve Loughner, who joined last month, says his short time at the department has been an eye-opener.

"As time went on, I realized how much time people put in and I really started to appreciate it," he says. "I never noticed much money it takes to keep up a fire department."

Junior firefighter Nathan Lalor went on his first call in February for down wires. Lalor, 14, says being a part of the department is a big adrenaline rush.

"The blood rushes through your body and it's kind of scary," Lalor says. "It's a good feeling coming back and knowing you did something to help."

Bob Kwiatkowski, who joined almost one year ago, recalls his first fire differently.

"As we turned the bend and saw the house on fire, I just thought, 'Oh (expletive)!'" Kwiatkowski says with a laugh. "Once I got out, I did what I needed to do and I felt comfortable with the guys I was with."

But for those who like to play it safe, there are other ways to help.

"A lot of people don't get the drift of going into a burning building, and that's OK," Yost says. "If people don't want to be full-fledged members, they can help with computers and fundraisers."

Markijohn agrees.

"Some of our guys choose to work in the field preparing tools, ladders and everything else but the fire," Markijohn says. "All of that is very important to the dynamic."

Though it's hard, time-consuming work, most members have a sense of satisfaction when it comes to what they do.

"My family takes a hit, and I don't see them nearly as much as I'd like to," Kwiatkowski says. "But they understand. They appreciate what we do."

Want to join?

Fire Chief Henry Yost says the department can use as much help as it can get.

"No matter what you want to do, it's important. I've always looked at it that way."

For more information on joining, call the fire station at 724-863-5610.