Volunteer firefighting at Southampton Fire Company is a family tradition in the McKenney family. With over 38 years as a firefighter, including many years as a chief, Kevin McKenney began volunteering with his dad and two brothers. Today, Kevin volunteers with his two children, Mike, a firefighter and former lieutenant, and Amanda, a firefighter.

“It’s an amazing experience bonding with my kids and continuing the legacy of the firefighting tradition,” said Kevin.

He enjoys when they can answer calls and have the opportunity to help others together.

“It’s not just the bond of firefighting, but also the family bond,” he says.

When the trucks pull up to a fire or emergency call, the reality is that it’s a new challenge each time.

“You’re trying to solve the problem at hand, identify different tactics to work through the situation and bring it to a close as quickly as possible,” said Kevin.

Answering challenges as a volunteer firefighter can help with problem-solving and working with different people, regardless of the career field. This rings true for Kevin, who works in project management for communications systems.

For anyone considering volunteering, Kevin says, “Southampton can set you up for the future by learning new skills and abilities.”

Volunteers can also find their place and unlock their potential.

“Volunteering brings out the person themselves,” said Kevin. “They might come in shy, but firefighting helps bring out their personality and who they are.”

No prior experience is required to join. Southampton provides its volunteers with training and gear. Learn more about volunteering on our website or fill out an inquiry form to sign up.