MORE THAN A CALL: INSIDE BALDWIN FIRE RESCUE
For some people, community service is something they discover later in life. For others, it’ s something they grow up around. For Paul Pantages, firefighting has always been part of the picture.
Paul has served with Baldwin Fire Rescue for more than 50 years. His connection to the fire service began even earlier. His father was a firefighter, and one of his father’ s closest friends helped found the local station. As a child, Paul remembers walking into that friend’ s home and seeing a firefighter’ s coat and helmet hanging on the wall.
That image stayed with him. When Paul returned home from college, he joined the fire department. What began as a way to help quickly became a lifelong commitment.
Over the years, Paul has served in nearly every role in the department, including chief, safety officer, and instructor. His professional background in safety and emergency services fits naturally with the fire service. Still, titles were never what mattered most. Teaching and mentoring others always came first.
That role became deeply personal when Paul trained his own son through the essentials firefighting program. He also trained Dave Connell, who grew up alongside Paul’ s son. The two went to school together, spent time at Paul’ s home, and came up through the department side by side. Over time, Dave became family in every way that mattered.
Watching both men grow into leaders has been one of Paul’ s proudest moments. Reflecting on that shift, he put it this way:
“ There was a time when people would say,‘ Oh, you’ re Chief Pantages’ son.’ Now, it’ s,‘ Are you Chief Pantages’ father?’ It goes full circle.”
Inside Baldwin Fire Rescue, the sense of family goes beyond bloodlines. The firehouse is built on trust and shared responsibility, shaped through years of training and calls.“ For me, it’ s been a family operation,” Paul said. That culture is one reason firefighters continue to volunteer their time.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Paul shared a moment that captures what keeps many firefighters going. During a mutual aid call in South Park on a hot, humid summer day, crews were worn down by the conditions and heavy protective gear. Along the roadside, a young boy stood with his parents, holding an armful of freeze pops. He handed them out to firefighters and first responders, making sure no one was missed.
Paul said moments like that stay with you, not because of the freeze pop, but because someone took a second to say thanks. On days like that, it reminds you why you showed up in the first place.
Volunteering with Baldwin Fire Rescue isn’ t about being a hero. It’ s about showing up, doing the work, and watching out for each other. Paul has spent years teaching younger members not only how to do the job, but how to do it safely and together.
“ We come together, we go together,” Paul said. The goal is always to ensure everyone returns home safely.
The department welcomes people of all backgrounds and skill levels. Not every role requires riding on a fire truck. Administrative support, event help, building maintenance, fundraising, and logistics all play essential roles.
Baldwin Fire Rescue is always looking for new volunteers and community support. Those interested in joining the department or making a donation to support training and equipment can find more information at BaldwinFireRescue. org. There is a place for anyone who wants to give back.
Baldwin Fire Rescue isn’ t just a department. It’ s a family built on trust, mentorship, and service. For Paul Pantages, it’ s proof that when you invest in people, that legacy carries on.
aldwin BALDWIN BOROUGH NEWS
BALDWIN BOROUGH’ S GREAT EGG HUNT
Join us Saturday, March 28 from 12 – 2 PM at the Municipal Complex as Baldwin Borough is kicks off spring with a lively community celebration built around its popular egg hunt and an afternoon of family-friendly fun. Attendees can expect crafts, food trucks, music, and organized egg hunts by age group to keep things moving smoothly. Adding to the excitement, a special Golden Egg will be hidden somewhere on site, separate from the main hunt areas, creating an extra moment of suspense and buzz throughout the event.
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL ❘ SPRING 2026 47