Thank you to members Dave Bowerman and Mike Holick for their service in the Navy!
Dave Bowerman
Following his father and uncles’ footsteps, Dave served from 1967 to 1970 as an airman in Vietnam.
After moving to the area and talking to his neighbor about the fire service, he started volunteering at the National Park Fire Department in 1972 and joined the Westville Fire Department years later.
“I loved being a firefighter, helping people, and working on the ambulance at National Park,” said Dave. “There’s a lot of comradery in it.”
“If you want to join the fire company, commit yourself to it,” he adds. “It’s going to take some time to learn everything. Do it whole-heartedly.”
Mike Holick
When Mike joined the Navy in 1979, many large businesses were moving out of the area, taking jobs with them, so he saw the Navy as an opportunity to secure a job.
Stationed in Norfolk, VA, Mike served until 1983 as a boiler technician. He eventually got a job as a boiler operator after the Navy as well.
Living in Blackwood and having some firefighter training from the Navy, Mike joined Blackwood Fire Company in 1983. He moved in 1985 and joined Union Fire Company, now Westville Fire Department.
Spain 1979
“My favorite part is the comradery with the guys and giving back to my community,” said Mike.
He also credited the Navy for teaching him respect, which he carried over into the fire service and his life.
Tom Trautner
After getting married and moving to Westville, Tom signed up to be a volunteer firefighter.
“It was something I always wanted to do,” he said. “Back then, there was no Fire I and Fire II classes. I went to the NJ State Fire College in Sea Girt to get my training.”
In 1966, Tom was drafted in the U.S. Army at age 25, and was stationed in Fort Benning, GA. After being discharged in 1968, Tom worked for a steel pipe company and continued to volunteer.
“What I enjoy the most is helping the community and the friendships in the fire company,” he said. “Westville is one of the best fire companies in South Jersey. They have the people and the equipment to handle almost any emergency situation.”
To learn about volunteering, visit www.JoinWestvillFire.org.