Resident Profile :
Jerry Lauer
Jerry Lauer illcreek
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP NEWS
As anyone approaching retirement knows , the mere thought can be frightening . Questions such as “ What will I do with my time ?” may keep you up at night . There are numerous commercials about retirement in which you see couples walking along a beach or touring on a motorcycle , basically enjoying a relaxing life . In addition , many “ boomers ” also find time to volunteer for whatever their passion may be . Today ’ s idea of retirement is much different than that of your grandparents . Retirees are winning the battle against the aging stereotype by actually getting “ younger ” as they retire . One Millcreek resident is proving that point in a unique way .
Sixty-two year old Jerry Lauer is not your typical retiree and perhaps one of the few who have managed to turn his personal vision into reality . After a 38 year career with Erie Press Systems , Jerry retired in July of 2016 and decided to pursue his dream of becoming a Volunteer Firefighter with West Ridge Fire Department . Keep in mind that at an age when firefighters are usually handing in their turnout gear , Jerry decided to try one on for size . Apparently , he liked the fit .
As one can imagine , that line of work can be brutal . Firefighters must deal with smoke , fire , heights , serious weather conditions , and long hours . Career firefighters get paid to do this job . Volunteers do not . Whether paid or not , they all do it to serve their community . It ’ s not about drinking coffee and playing checkers at the fire station . It ’ s extinguishing the flames that are consuming what once was a family home or calming a driver who is being extricated from the twisted wreckage that was an intact vehicle only moments earlier . It is real life , and Jerry is one of those who live in the real world .
That is not to say that Jerry and his wife Janice ( who is retired from Erie Insurance ) don ’ t have fun . They have vacations planned and home projects to do . With three children ( one son is the Fire Chief of West Mead Township ) and eight grandchildren ( all of which have bragging rights to say that their grandfather is a firefighter ), they have a very busy life .
16 Millcreek
Left to Right : Tanner Smith , Chris Parker , Jerry Lauer , Evan Kardosh , and Jerry DeRosa
West Ridge Fire Department Chief Dan Ouellet expressed “ I admire and respect Jerry for his drive and ability to successfully complete the Firefighter One Certification . It is a training course that many young firefighters find challenging . Devotion of time and dedication are the keys to successful completion .”
Firefighters and all Emergency Responders are held in high regard for the service they provide to our Community . The next time you are heading to the golf course or favorite fishing spot , remember Jerry and his colleagues are probably instead responding to an emergency call in Millcreek Township .
On behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the residents of Millcreek , a big thank you goes out to Jerry Lauer and all volunteer firefighters for their service to Millcreek residents . Stay safe and happy .
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter , stop by your local fire station to find out more and don ’ t forget to financially support our Millcreek Township Fire Departments .