Bruce Dalrynple and his son, Cody, joined the Community Fire Company, New Tripoli, in a untraditional manner.

Instead of son following the father, Bruce joined the company after Cody, a junior firefighter who had been volunteering for a couple of years.

"It was something I was always interested in, but never got involved," Bruce Dalrymple said. "With my son in it, it was an opportune time."

Bruce said he was enticed by the idea of working on the trucks and maintaining equipment.

A machinist with a mechanical background in his day job, Bruce said he enjoys firefighter training.

He has trained on basic vehicles, basic ropes, animal rescue and, on Jan. 5, he started a six-month course at the Emmaus Training Grounds.

Lower Macungie is sponsoring the class, taught by the Bucks County Fire Academy.

In the four months he has been with the New Tripoli Fire Company, Bruce has responded to close to 20 calls.

His wife Annie is good about his being with the company.

She became involved with fundraisers and helping in the kitchen, and intends to become more involved.

"She supports us," Bruce said.

In addition to Cody, the couple has an older son and two younger daughters. The oldest daughter is interested in the fire company.

Bruce recommends volunteering at the fie company to others.

"Now, that I'm involved, it shows me how important it is," Bruce said. "A lot of companies are desperate for help."