Seven members of the Vestal Fire Department have been answering the call of duty for a combined total of more than 400 years.
“It’s our job,” said Chris Lupold, 71, a 53-year volunteer for the department. “We just keep doing it.”
Lupold has battled countless blazes during his long firefighting career. Fellow firefighter Carle Truman is the longest-serving member, with 64 years of service. Other veteran Vestal firefighters include Ronald Linfoot, with 60 years of service; Ed Zimmer, 59 years; Gene Wagner, 58 years; Paul Gregson, 57 years; and Robert “Bob” Nasiatka, with 55 years.
“They love to stick around to help their community,” said Vestal Fire Chief John Paffie. “They stick around to be mentors to the people that are underneath them, people like me. I still look up to them. I still ask them questions. I still learn from them.”