IN Millcreek Spring 2017 | Page 18

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.