As part of National Volunteer Week 2021, we highlighted our members with volunteer profiles each day on social media. We wanted to acknowledge our department volunteers who give countless hours of their time and efforts to serve the community. Each member comes from a different career background & brings various skills to the department. Take a few minutes to meet each one:
Monday: Ryan LaBertew
Ryan begun his volunteer career with the fire department as a “Junior Firefighter” while in high school. After high school; Ryan served as one of our “live-in firefighters” and begun assisting in the Engineering Dept.
He is a certified Diesel Mechanic and has a PA CDL. Ryan currently oversees the Assistant Engineers and is in charge of maintaining the operational status of all of our apparatus & vehicles.
With certifications in Firefighting, Basic Vehicle Rescue, and other specialty programs; Ryan is a prime example of how a resourceful teen who volunteered at a young age can grow his regular career side by side with his volunteer time in the fire service!
Tuesday: Thomas Hordubay
Tom joined our fire department after many years of successful volunteer service with Penn Hills VFD Station 222, including being a line officer there; he serves with both departments today. Tom is a key member of our “night crew” who consistently respond to those overnight late emergency calls.
Tom is also a Hazardous Materials Technician with the Allegheny County HazMat Red Team. He is a member our fire department’s Safety Committee. Tom also serves on the executive/business side of the department as our Financial Secretary working hand in hand with our Treasurer to make sure our bills are paid and finances are tracked.
In his professional life, Tom is an Engineer with a local technology company which helps brings technical expertise to our fire dept.
Chief’s Award Recipient, 2016
Top QRS/EMS Responder, 2016-2020
Wednesday: Alex Marcelewski
Alex has served in various fire department roles ranging from President to Chairman of the Board of Directors. In addition to being a Firefighter/EMT, as the Medical Officer; he oversees our EMS/QRS operations plus as the Community Outreach Officer, he works to build relationships and programs between the fire department & the community.
A state certified EMS Instructor, he serves as an Adjunct Instructor with CCAC Public Safety Institute teaching EMT & EMR courses. In addition he is an instructor with both the American Heart Association & the Stop the Bleed program.
Alex was introduced to the volunteer fire service while in scouting back in the 90’s & served in a department in Bucks County. After earning his Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America & National Eagle Scout Association); he served as a counselor for emergency & fire related merit badges.
Professionally, Alex has spent over 20 years in the Broadcast Media industry and specializes in Product/Project Management. He has earned several Emmy Awards & has served on the board of directors of NATAS for the Mid-Atlantic region.
Chief’s Award, 2019
Top Responder, 2016
Member of the Year, 2015
Thursday: Jackie Taylor
Jackie is a great example of our “Company Members”; those who are on the non-operational side of the fire department. They fill important administrative, business, and support functions. Originally a “Special Member”, she wanted to commit more volunteer time and efforts to the community with our fire department.
She has served in various roles ranging from Secretary to Vice President, insurance coordinator, and now as our President for the past four years. As president Jackie works hand in hand with the Fire Chief to run the fire department as well as interact with the local government and elected officials.
Jackie worked closely with the our Building Maintenance Committee on the recent remodeling of the social hall in order to upgrade its offerings and appeal. Along with the Board of Directors, the new hall will be opened to the public with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
In her professional life, she is currently a 401K Plan Analyst with a local firm; after many years in banking industry.
Member of the Year, 2019
President’s Award, 2016
Friday: Daniel Giannettino
Known around the fire department as “Lt Dan” or “Alphabet”; Dan has made a strong impression as part of the next generation of leadership both on the operational and administrative side.
Originally a firefighter from New York, Dan & his family moved to Plum and almost immediately joined our department. His father and brother our “Special Members” of the department assisting in special events and emergency calls.
As the Assistant Training Officer; he coordinates the various training drills/events of the firefighters. He is always on the look out for the next method or tool to improve the department’s performance on the fire ground.
Dan also oversees the engineering department; and you will frequently find him working side by side with the Engineers on apparatus repairs.
Dan currently serves as Chair of the Fundraising Committee and our Golf Classic. Along with the Fire Chief, he is currently leading the department’s efforts to build out our swift water rescue program and collaborating with fellow rescue teams.
Top Training Award, 2020
Top 5 Responder, 2019
Chief’s Award, 2017
Saturday: Lori Shaulis
Lori is a good example of our “Company Members” but also a “Life Member”; someone who has given 15+ years of dedicated time and service to the department.
Lori has served in various roles on the administrative side of the department from Treasurer to Financial Secretary to her current long-tenured position of Bingo Committee Chairperson. She oversees the weekly fundraising program and manages the volunteers for it.
In her professional life, she is a currently a stay-at-home mother allowing plenty of time to raise her family after serving many years in the banking industry.
Member of the Year, 2004 & 2014
Life Member, 2017
