Crime & Safety
The Hero Next Door: Kale Albert
Meet Kale Albert, a volunteer firefighter with Hecktown Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 and this week's 'Hero Next Door.'
Kale Albert, 24, is a volunteer firefighter with . He has been with the company for a little over six months.
Only after joining the department did Albert discover his grandfather previously served as Hecktown's assistant chief.
Albert, with his sister Natalie, was raised in but moved to in 2007. He works as a lineman for Service Electric, covering the Lehigh Valley.
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His parents are Paige and William Albert.
How did you feel after finding out your grandfather served as the department's assistant chief?
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“I didn't know it was a family tradition… I was walking around and saw pictures of my grandfather. My neighbor told me he was the assistant chief. That meant something to me. It touched me.”
What is it like being a firefighter?
“We joke around a lot, we always laugh. We do a lot of stuff at drill night you don't want to do but always have a good time."
What is your favorite thing about being a firefighter?
“You get to really make an impact on people."
What made you decide to become a firefighter?
“My cousin mentioned it to me at work. I came down here with him one day, got to talking and asked to come out for drill night.”
How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life on the line?
“I talked to mom and dad before I signed up. I’m the only son in my family.”
What kind of training have you had so far?
“[I'm taking] Firefighter 1… I’m halfway done with that and Basic Vehicle Rescue.”
What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the department?
“What it boils down to is you getting there and making an impact on the community, giving up your free time for somebody else.”