Who would have guessed that an old scanner inside his grandfather’s house would spark the initiative to eventually become an Alpha Volunteer Firefighter, but that’s how it happened for Lieutenant and Equipment Technician Rob Nese. The community he serves is the community he loves—as evidenced in our first ever Alpha Member Profile!

ABOUT ROB NESE: Rank:  Lieutenant/Equipment Technician Alpha Since 2014 Education: B.S. Turfgrass Science, PSU Certifications: Firefighter 1 Firefighter 2 Hazmat Technician Vehicle Rescue Technician

  Tell us a little about you, where you’re from, your family. I actually currently live at the Fire Station downtown, but plan to buy a home in the spring of ’19 with my fiancée, Aly. I have lived in State College for the last 14 years, and my parents now live in Boalsburg. Why did you become an Alpha? It was something that I was interested in for a long time after always hearing the scanner at my grandfather’s house—he was a long-time firefighter. One day I was driving and had like four or five trucks fly by me in the span of a few minutes. That’s when I thought to myself “This is something I really want to do.” That sparked my interest and got me to apply. What is your “day job?” Any interesting past experience? I work as an Equipment Technician for the Centre Region Council of Governments. My duties include maintaining and fixing various pieces of equipment that we use on the fireground. Previously, I worked on the Beaver Stadium Grounds Crew for 5 years. What do you like best about firefighting, the community, the company, and actually being an Alpha Volunteer? For me, it’s the satisfaction of being able to use my time in a positive way, and being with my best friends almost all the time. The people I’ve met here within Alpha are the best friends I’ve ever had. What one piece of advice would you have for someone thinking about becoming an Alpha? You should definitely stop by the main station if you think you’re interested even a little bit! You’ll get to take a tour, ask questions, maybe even do a ride-along and find out what we’re all about. Seeing is believing. What one thing would you like people to know about the Alphas and about volunteer firefighting they might not understand? We are made up almost entirely of volunteers and we spend a lot of time perfecting our craft. We dedicate serious time to training, and to responding to calls to make sure that we’re able to provide the best possible service. Firefighting is hard but rewarding work, and if you’re interested in joining, we’re always taking applications. And if you’re not interested in joining, or don’t have time? There’s plenty of other ways you can help us out! Just reach out to us! Quick Sparks—Rob’s Favorite… Movie:            Anything with Will Ferrell Book:              Report from Engine Co. 82 Color:             Blue Food:              Anything from Waffle Shop Equipment:  The Engines, especially Engine 5-2 Season:          Spring/Summer Hobby:           Firefighting Teams:           Penn State Football & Basketball