With nearly 130 years of combined volunteer service, they’ve proven to be pillars in their community.

Indeed, Bruce Wolfe, Kevin Lilly, and Lynn Diehl have been the foundation of the Franklin Township Fire Company.

Wolfe has been an active firefighter for 45 years, Lilly an active member for 42 years, and Diehl a member for 41 years.

During that time, the trio has willingly seen and done it all, devoting their time and sacrificing their livelihood in the process.

For the trio, it’s been, is, and always will be all about protecting lives and saving properties.

In their blood

Lilly, who serves as assistant fire chief, said the fire company as a whole is “like a brotherhood.”

“It’s great with the guys, lot of friendships,” Lilly said.

“We’ve got a great bunch of guys.”

Lilly said that through the years, he’s seen a lot of people come, and a lot of people go.

“I’m so proud to be a member of this fire company,” he said. “I think we strive to do the best we can.”

Diehl, who serves as fire chief, agreed.

“The whole idea of a fire company is to take care of the people you serve,” Diehl said.

“It’s about looking after our people, trying to do what’s right for them.”

As a firefighter, Diehl said it’s important to have drive and initiative.

“You get out of it what you put into it,” he said. “Those that do get involved enjoy it; we all get along together.”

Lilly said that in their role as firefighters, they attempt to be a jack-of-all-trades.

“Have an open mind,” he said. “Try everything.”

Secret to their success

Longevity is one thing; commitment to their craft is another, according to Diehl.

“We never missed a call since we started,” he said. “Not everybody can say that.”

Diehl said they don’t volunteer for any recognition that may come their way.

“Most people are very thankful,” he said. “A lot of people don’t realize that we’re volunteer.”

Wolfe said he believes the training members go through is what stands out most of all.

“I think we do good training; it pays off when you go to a fire,” Wolfe said. “We train hard, and we do in-house training.”

Wolfe said he’d be willing to put the fire company’s training up against any other department.

“Nobody does fire prevention like we do,” he said. “We have top notch equipment, top notch guys.”

Lilly agreed with Wolfe’s assessment.

“We don’t take a back seat with our training to anyone,” he said.

Why they volunteer

Wolfe said he still volunteers to this day because he still gets a “thrill out of doing it.”

“I do what I think for the people of this township, the community, and probably a lot for myself also,” he said. “I feel really good doing this job, and I encourage everybody to actually get involved if they can.”

Despite the immense danger that’s involved, Lilly said he wouldn’t trade his time with the department for anything.

“It’s been a great experience for me,” Lilly said.

“It’s been great working with all the different guys that we have coming through the department, and it’s great just to help the people of this community and just see when they’re in need, that we can help in whatever way we can.”

Diehl shared much the same thoughts on the subject.

“It’s been a hell of a ride,” Diehl said. “We just enjoy the camaraderie of our fellow firefighters and the great people of the township, and we just would welcome anybody else to come out and join our fire company.”

The Neighborhood Spotlight highlights people in the community who go above and beyond to help others. To nominate someone, email tneditor@tnonline.com