Junior James Rebelo
The phone rings and junior James Rebelo picks up and listens intently for a few seconds. He then tells the other men at the station and starts to respond to the emergency call.

Rebelo has been a volunteer fireman at Cabin John Park since August.

“It’s really cool to have the opportunity to do something [like this] at this age,” Rebelo said.

His training included learning CPR, throwing ladders, memorizing the station numbers and running up and down flights of stairs while being weighed down with hoses.

Although Rebelo has not had to run into any burning buildings yet, his duties include answering phones, riding in the ambulances and laying down hoses at fire sites.

Rebelo’s shift is Monday from 5 p.m. to midnight and occasionally on other week nights.

“When you come home late sometimes it’s hard to do all your work because you feel tired,” Rebelo said. “But it’s worth it.”

Rebelo would not mind being a firefighter because he feels it is his duty to protect the people in the community.

“Getting out [of the truck] in full fire gear you feel sweet,” Rebelo said. “[You are] really doing something to help others in the community.”