Name: Kris Kellar

Age: 47

Hometown: Vera Cruz, but grew up in Emmaus

Tell us about your family: "I’m an identical twin - we’re the youngest of five children. I’m married to Jim, and we just celebrated our 25th anniversary in July. I have one daughter, Kourtney, who will be turning 18 this month. Boy does time fly!!"

Fire company: Citizens' Fire Co. of Upper Milford (Vera Cruz). Kellar is a firefighter, firepoliceman, treasurer and fundraising chairperson.

Describe your job:

"I have two part-time jobs – I work at Wally’s Deli on Mondays and Mechanics Plus Towing & Transport doing paperwork two or three days a week. Both employers are very good about letting me go out on fire calls if we have any during the time I’m working.”

How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life in danger?

"Jim, my husband, is also a firefighter and is usually at calls with me. My family is supportive of my firefighting and are always glad to hear of the calls after the fact (of course knowing I made it out safely)."

Tell us a story you'll never forget about your firefighting experience.

"The scariest fire was the day after Christmas about 10 years ago. Jim and I were on our way to a family pig roast around 5 p.m. when the pager went off – we heard 'working fire' and were on our way. The fire was down a 1/2 mile or so driveway that was not plowed, we did not have a water supply set up yet and were trying to fight the fire with very little water. 

"After the water supply was established and the fire was somewhat under control, I was inside with another firefighter from our company when the evacuation tones were sounded – which means – get out now!

"We were in a room tearing down the ceiling looking for hot spots and were not aware that the wall outside was burning. We got out safely, but it was a very long night, we didn’t get home until late the next day!"

What would you tell people interested in joining your fire company?

"To anyone interested in joining the fire company I would say ‘go for it!’ But know there is a lot involved – practice, calls, fundraisers and classes. We have a great group of people and it's nice knowing there are people who have your back!!"