Ken Wismer Jr., 23, has been a firefighter with the Upper Nazareth Fire Department for about two years. In addition to being a lieutenant, he is the vice president of the department.

Wismer, who lives in Nazareth, has taken a variety of emergency management courses through Northampton Community College, Bucks County Community College and the Emergency Management Institute.

A landscaper by trade, Wismer is married with a child on the way.

What is your favorite thing about being a firefighter?

“It’s got to be helping others. There’s nothing like it.”

What made you decide to become a firefighter?

“When I was younger, my parents used to take me out and we’d chase the trucks… I watched a whole operation on Bank Street in the borough, and decided to get involved.”

What does your family say about you putting your life in danger?

“They get nervous about it, but they really appreciate what us volunteers do. It’s really opened their eyes to it.”

What would you tell someone interested in joining the company?

“There’s nothing like it. It’s truly a brotherhood, wherever you go. It’s one of the tightest families you can be with. It’s all a really great experience.”