Atlas Twp. – For firefighter Tom Westerlund, being home means having his fire radio on.
His devotion to the fire department is one reason why Westerlund was this week named Atlas Township Fire Department Firefighter of the year.
‘His participation…is almost 100 percent,? said Atlas fire chief Jim Naugler.
‘He gets along with everybody, does a great job, never complains too much.?
In a ‘bedroom community? like Atlas Township, where residents often work out of town, knowing one’s plans could be interrupted for a fire call requires dedication.
While not one to boast, the five-year department veteran admitted his fire radio is on most evenings and nights, seven days a week.
‘Whenever I’m in the township,? he said.
Although most calls this past year have been medical, Westerlund, a first-responder, quickly responds.
‘Calls at 2 or 3 in the morning are the toughest ones to go to,? he said.
‘I always look at it as someone needs help, that I would hope someone would help me if I needed it.?
‘He’s an awesome firefighter, a great choice,? said Naugler.