The call comes in, and instinct takes over. Fathers Mark Bynum and Brian Thomas gear up with their sons, Joe and Cole, to protect and serve the community. At Brookhaven Fire Company, volunteering isn’t just about service; it’s a shared experience of the unbreakable bond between fathers and sons.
Mark & Joe Bynum
“Not many people can say they do community service with their dad. It’s a privilege to still be able to do this together after so many years,” said Joe Bynum, 36, who has been volunteering at Brookhaven Fire Company with his dad, Mark Bynum, 66, since age 14.
Mark volunteers as an engineer, and his main responsibilities are driving and operating the fire company’s apparatus. He’s driven Joe to many calls over the years, including Joe’s first one, which was not a simple call by any means.
Brookhaven was dispatched when a car hit a utility pole with three transformers in front of the old Wawa on Edgmont Avenue. It knocked the power out of the station, so before Brookhaven’s trucks could leave, Joe jumped on top of the truck to plug in a generator and open the bay doors.
“It was a vehicle fire with several cars involved, wires down, evacuation; there was gasoline running down a storm drain, so we had a hazmat situation,” said Joe. “It was very exciting for me. I was able to knock a lot of things off my checklist that day.”
Joe always enjoyed the thrill. He grew up in the firehouse with his dad and loved to ride on the trucks. Then, the September 11 attacks happened in 2001, and Chris Kangas, a friend of his and a junior firefighter, passed away after he was struck by an automobile in 2002. After these events, firefighting took on an even more serious meaning for Joe and he joined in 2003. Mark also had an interest in the fire service as a boy.
“I lived right down the street from the old fire house. When sirens went off, I would jump on my bike to go see it,” he said. “There’s always been something inside me. I always had an interest and joined when I was old enough.”
Since joining in 1975, Mark says the fire service has greatly progressed with techniques and tools. “I learn something new all the time,” said Mark.
He enjoys seeing the fire service evolve and it’s something he admires about his son, Joe, who serves as Captain.
“Joe’s very progressive. He likes to try to enact new ideas and techniques,” said Mark. “It’s good to see how different generations will continue the tradition of the fire service.”
Mark, a retired 911 dispatcher, is also proud of everything Joe has accomplished over the years. Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in fire administration and his master’s in public administration. From there, he’s worked his way up in his career and is currently a fire service education specialist with the Pennsylvania Fire Commission.
“Brookhaven has set my career path to be involved in the fire service,” said Joe. “I was provided training through the fire company to receive national certifications, and I used that towards college credits, and saved on tuition and time.”
In his role, Joe tracks civilian fire deaths and sees if there is an educational need, such as creating a community reduction program as well as partnering with the American Red Cross, Burn Prevention Foundation or other organizations. He is the liaison for many associations and state agencies, including starting the Youth Fire Center Advisory Board. As the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) public education rep for Pennsylvania, Joe provides information to over 2,200 fire departments in the state. He is also a state fire instructor and volunteers on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) board as secretary.
“I basically work seven days a week,” said Joe, who is married with three kids and a fourth to arrive this August. “When I’m not at the fire house or working, I like to spend time at home and make memories with my kids like I was able to do with my dad.”
Joe admires that his dad is always willing to help someone in need, putting the firehouse and community above many other things.
“I’m very happy with what I’m doing,” said Mark. “As long as I can continue doing it, I’ll do it. It keeps me busy, active and interested.”
In addition to the adrenaline rush, Brookhaven Fire Company keeps volunteers coming back thanks to its passionate and dedicated members.
“If you’re into a thrill and like to have a good challenge, there’s no doubt about it, volunteer firefighting is the best challenge you can go for. On top of that, you can make a difference in the community,” said Joe. “We need a lot of people, not only in Brookhaven, but in the country, the state, and even across the nation and the world. The fire service is a giant family.”
Mark also encourages the community to visit Brookhaven Fire Company on a Tuesday night training night and see it for themselves.
“We can show you what we’re all about and what goes on behind-the-scenes of calls,” said Mark. “Speak with members about their experiences and ask questions.”
Brian & Cole Thomas
Brian Thomas, 46, and his son, Cole Thomas, 16, both started volunteering at Brookhaven Fire Company to serve the community and enjoy that they now get to do it together.
Brian joined in 2017 and volunteers as the chief engineer, plus serves as treasurer and on the Board of Governors. Cole joined the junior firefighting program a few years later in 2022.
“I’ve developed new skills with hands-on experience in emergency response and built self-confidence and teamwork,” said Cole.
One of those hands-on experiences was his first fire call, where he helped his dad set up the truck to prepare for aerial operations. On a more recent call, firefighters had to lay a water supply line from the hydrant.
“Cole was the ‘layout’ man. He did his job perfectly, just like he trained for,” recalls Brian. “I love watching him progress in person, seeing the time and effort he puts in at drills, and then being able to apply what he’s learned on the scene.”
Volunteering is always a learning experience. Some of the most valuable lifesaving skills Brian and Cole learned are through CPR and AED certifications.
“Volunteering may or may not be for you, but you’ll never know unless you try,” said Brian. “This is a great opportunity to learn new things, meet some great people and give back to others.”
Brian and his wife, Sheri, have three kids: Brian Jr., Cole and Lauren. He also owns and operates a small business in Brookhaven.
Anyone in the community who is interested in volunteering can fill out an inquiry form to express interest in volunteering at www.JoinBrookhavenFire.org.