Princeton Firefighter Spotlight: Henry Pannell

Princeton NJ

17 June, 2020

1:40 PM

Description

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Firefighters are among the heroes that should be recognized. They volunteer their time day in and day out to help those in the Princeton community stay safe. Especially amid the coronavirus, these volunteers continue to serve. The Princeton Volunteer Fire Department will be sharing a series of profiles on their firefighters so the community can get to know who they are. The Department is also always looking for volunteers to help. To join visit princetonnj.gov/resources/how-to-join-the-fire-department. Name: Henry Pannell (Hank)Age: 33Hometown: PrincetonOccupation: Public Safety Communications OfficerWhat made you decide to become a volunteer firefighter with Princeton Fire Department? I wouldn't say that there's one particular reason that I decided to join the Princeton FireDepartment. It has been a culmination of things, starting from when I was younger growing up inPrinceton. When I was younger living in town there was a fire several house down from us. Iwas able to witness the actions of the firefighters that night and to later find out they werevolunteers was amazing. It was something that instilled in me the real act of selflessness andgiving back to the community. In addition, when I was a student at Princeton High School andwatched the events of Sept. 11. We watched the footage of that tragic day on television unfold. Once again, we all witnessed the benevolence of every emergency responder that day. Finally, I had friends from high school that were already members of the fire department and gave me the final push that helped me decide to join. How do you manage your schedule between personal life and volunteering for the community ofPrinceton? When I first joined, I was at the fire station all the time. As life moves on and other thingsbecome more complex, you learn to prioritize things. With effective time management and a littlepatience, you can still make time for everything important to you, including work, friends, andfamily, and of course, the Princeton Fire Department. Volunteering, protecting, and serving thecommunity of Princeton continue to be a key focus of my life. What has been a moment that has given you the greatest satisfaction since becoming a firefighter? Throughout my volunteer career with the Princeton Fire Department I've been fortunate enoughto work with some of the finest and most skilled individuals. This includes not only PrincetonFire Department, but also the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad and the Princeton PoliceDepartment. For me, the most significant achievement was being nominated by my peers to bean officer within the department. I have had the pleasure of serving as both a Lieutenant andCaptain for several years. Being entrusted by the department membership to lead and guide themis one of the greatest achievements I've experienced in my life. What are some of the key things you've learned as a firefighter that have helped other areas of your life? As a member of the fire department, you not only firefighting skills, but additional skills such as water rescue, elevator rescue, and motor vehicle extrication. As your career advances you gain valuable non-technical skills that help you along throughout your life. You learn how to be a part of a team and how to serve as an individual within that team working together to achieve a common goal. There are also valuable tools that you learn, such as time management skills, critical thinking, stress management, and communications. As your career advances in the department you get more experience to be an effective leader. Why should a resident of Princeton join the fire department? Members of the community should join the Princeton Fire Department for several reasons. Notonly does it give you a chance to serve your community and learn new and valuable skills. It also gives you a chance to become a part of a bigger family. Within the Princeton Fire Department we have people from every walk of life, and you form relationships with people that you may nothave met otherwise. Those relationships will hopefully last a lifetime. Have a news tip? Email [email protected]. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.