Three married couples have long served the Deptford fire department, which recently recognized them to coincide with Valentine’s Day.
Pam and Rob McDermott
Following in his father’s footsteps, Rob McDermott began his journey in the department 13 years ago. Shortly after, his wife of 19 years, Pam, followed.
“To be honest, I joined because anytime my husband left the house for a fire call, I felt nervous,” Pam recalled. “I started volunteering on the Canteen because then I knew he was safe.”
Canteen volunteers provide rehabilitation services and meals to firefighters all over Gloucester County at the scene of major incidents. One year after starting as a Canteen member, Pam loved it so much, she decided to get more involved and is now the department’s vice president.
“I have never been on a scene where the firefighters don’t thank me for being there,” she noted. “Deptford fire department is a great department to be in.”
Pam isn’t the only McDermott with a department title; Rob recently took on the role as lieutenant for the department’s Oak Valley Fire Company.
“I assist two other station officers in training our members to perform their absolute best,” he explained. “Some other responsibilities include overseeing firefighter’s duties, station duties and scheduling the crews.”
Both McDermotts agree some of their favorite memories are of teaching their two children about the importance of volunteering and how it leads to lifelong friendships.
“Everyone knows us at the station very well and we’re like a family, so it’s just like a second home,” Pam said.
Elizabeth and James Noce
The McDermotts inspired their married friends – Elizabeth and James Noce – to volunteer with the department. Their roles have included riding a rig as Mrs. and Mr. Claus for three years.
“We’re involved in a lot of community organizations, like the athletic association, but somehow we found the time to add Deptford fire department to the list,” said Elizabeth.
“It’s great volunteering with your spouse,” James added. “We get to see each other and get involved. We’ve met so many other great couples like Pam and Rob, too.”
James and Elizabeth both started as Canteen members.
“Everyone is so welcoming,” Elizabeth noted. “We’ve created our own little community at the firehouse. I’ve also met so many different people on calls. It feels good to know I’m helping my community.”
Although James started as a Canteen member, he now responds to calls as an exterior firefighter. Since he doesn’t yet have his firefighter I certification, he can’t enter burning buildings, but he can help outside by laying groundwork, positioning ladders, hooking hydrants and communicating via radio.
“James jumped right in to help wherever he could,” Elizabeth said. “He’s incredibly dedicated and reliable.”
James and Elizabeth have been married for 16 years and along with their Santa runs, they plan to continue attending fire department events, lending a hand at emergency scenes and assisting where can for many years to come.
“Elizabeth is genuine like no other; she really cares and is committed,” James pointed out. “She handles stress well and has good composure. I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else.”
Debbie and Greg Thelen
Debbie and Greg Thelen met when they both served on the Deptford ambulance rescue squad, with Debbie subsequentally joining the department’s Union fire company. Both volunteers for more than 40 years, Greg joked he was “drafted” into the department by his three uncles and two cousins.
“I joined on my 18th birthday and I loved it so much I stayed for 47 years,” he recalled. “Now, as head of the cadet program, I can give back and teach the same things I learned as a kid.”
Both Debbie and Greg have grown within the fire company. He is a captain in charge of all firefighters and cadet program activities, and during an emergency, serves under the chief to direct crew members. Debbie is a firefighter and secretary who takes minutes at meetings and helps with fundraising.
“Everyone calls Debbie the “mom” of the company,” Greg acknowledged. “When we got married, everybody at the fire company came.”
Following their wedding, their kids joined the department, too. Even though their immediate family volunteers together, they say the fire company feels like one big second family.
“Volunteering is a great way to make lifelong friends that feel like family and socialize while you do something you can feel good about,” Debbie observed.
“It feels good to give back, and it’s important to remember the reason you’re there is to help save lives and property,” Greg explained of his service. “The older you get, you see things in a different light and realize it’s less about the adrenaline rush and more about protecting your community and giving back to your neighbors.”
Individuals – or couples – interested in volunteering with the fire company can fill out an inquiry form at www.deptfordfd.org
