Parkland High School alumnus and former volunteer firefighter for Cetronia Fire Department, Thomas Williams, 23, continues his quest to help others through education and service.

These days, Williams has become a celebrity of sorts. Near the intersection of Lehigh Street and Emmaus Avenue in Emmaus, stands an Indiana University of Pennsylvania billboard featuring Williams wearing his firefighter shirt.

Williams is a senior studying safety sciences, a program designed to prepare students for a career in the safety, health and environmental profession.

"The university was looking to attract students from Eastern Pennsylvania, as well as promote its safety sciences program," Williams said. "Having been a volunteer firefighter here in the Lehigh Valley, I was asked to participate."

His mother, Suzanne Williams, said her son's interest in firefighting began when he was 16.

"One day, he came home with a form to sign giving parental permission to join the Cetronia Fire Department," she explained.

Suzanne Williams admitted at first she was surprised and a little worried.

"However, after speaking with the fire chief, I decided to allow Thomas to give it a try, provided he kept his grades up," she said.

According to Suzanne Williams, supporting her son's decision proved difficult at times.

"I was concerned whenever he got a call, but found little ways of coping," she explained, "Living very close to the station, if I knew a truck was going to pass the house, I would flash the front light.

"I would tell him to tell the guys not to laugh because that's the sign I want them to come home safe."

Williams attributes his desire to help others and his preparation for college to his early experiences with the fire department.

"The ability to anticipate, evaluate and control are skills necessary in the field of Safety Sciences," Williams said. "No call is ever going to be the same and that incorporates well with evaluating hazards and finding solutions in the workplace."

In addition to a full-time college course load and earning a spot on the dean's list, Williams is also vice president of the honors fraternity for safety sciences, Rho Sigma Kappa.

He has also earned certification as an emergency medical technician and is now employed part time by Citizens' Ambulance in Indiana County.

Williams is one of six student members who live at and volunteer for the Indiana Fire Association at its White Township Station, where he supervises and trains the in-school firefighters.

Williams said it is important to give back to the community and to educate children, so he volunteers with Big Hearts, Little Hands, a mentoring program of the YMCA of Indiana County.

He acknowledges his values, morals and work ethic came from his mom whom he says has been a constant source of encouragement; and he takes pride in sharing her advice with others.

Williams empowers the kids in the program.

"If you want something, go out and get it!" he tells them.

Williams is happy to bring to light the dedication and sacrifice of volunteer firefighters.

"It is important for people to remember, volunteers are out there 2 a.m., missing their families on holidays just because they want to help, save or improve someone's day," he said.

In preparation for graduation, Williams is busy interviewing with potential employers for a variety of on-site safety or consultant positions.

"[However] my true passion is a career as a firefighter," he said noting it is a position often very difficult to obtain.

Williams was asked why he wants a life serving the community as a firefighter, EMT or a member of the safety sciences profession.

"It's something you can't really put into words," he said. "I just want to be the person to help someone."