The district congratulated Fire Chief Scott Garing on social media earlier this month on becoming the first to achieve “life member" status after 20 years of service in fire departments in Zelienople and Harmony. (submitted photo)

HARMONY — A firefighter who started out as a junior member made fire district history this month, becoming the Harmony Fire District’s first “life member.”

Fire Chief Scott Garing, who has served 20 years with departments in Zelienople and Harmony, was selected for the honor by district’s membership July 9.

“It's the best thing I've done in my entire life,” he said. “It's very rewarding.”

Garing started his fire fighting career in 1998, just after turning 16.

Garing started in the junior fire department and over the years established himself as a leader among the juniors and ultimately among department officers.

He got started through friends and family and quickly became hooked to a life in public safety service.

Read the Butler Eagle for the full story.