In honor of Veterans Day, we thank Charles Leslie and all veterans in our community for their service!
Charles joined Brookhaven Fire Company in 1981 as a junior firefighter.
“It was the best thing I ever did. Every little boy wants to be a firefighter,” said Charles.
After graduating high school in 1983, he left for the U.S. Marine Corps in August. He completed his training in Parris Island, South Carolina and was stationed in North Carolina, California, and Hawaii as a heavy equipment operator.
“The Marine Corps is a lot of fun. It’s also very good self-discipline, along with the fire company,” said Charles.
When he left the Marines in 1987, he reconnected with Brookhaven as a volunteer firefighter. He worked his way up the ranks to senior firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, and captain. Currently, he’s the assistant chief, a role he’s held for 23 years, as well as training officer and on the Board of Governors.
“In the Marines, we are public protectors of the world, and at Brookhaven, we are public protectors of the residents of Brookhaven and neighboring communities,” said Charles. “What I enjoy the most about volunteering is giving back to the community I live in. It’s a community with unity.”
Brookhaven firefighters answer many types of calls including fire suppression, search and rescue, vehicle accidents, hazmat incidents, and more.
“People will call 911 for anything, so you never know what you’re getting into when you respond to a call,” said Charles.
He was the first in his family to join the fire company, but now shares the experience with his wife, Maria; his daughter, Isabella; who are both contributing members, and his son, Charles, who is an active firefighter and engineer. His sister, Denise Leslie, the mayor of Brookhaven, is a contributing member of the fire company and served in the Navy, while his father served in the Army.
One of his favorite fire company events to do with his family is “Candy Cane Day,” where three different Santas travel around Brookhaven on fire trucks to hand out candy canes to residents. Later that day, Charles and his wife run the dinner at the fire department. Santa visits the station at night and gives a present to each child.
“I love to see the joy on everyone’s face. It’s a lot of fun each year,” said Charles.
To learn more about volunteering, visit www.JoinBrookhavenFire.org.