Glen Walker
“If you pricked his finger, he’d probably bleed Evans City.”
Lee Dyer, membership chairman of the Keystone Rotary Club, said he’s never known someone more committed to community than Glen Walker. It’s one of the reasons why Walker was nominated and selected as a Hometown Hero.
Butler County’s 10 Rotary clubs asked community members to submit their picks for unsung heroes deserving of recognition. Walker was among the nominees for Evans City due to his long-standing volunteerism.
A volunteer firefighter for 45 years, Walker never shies away from helping his community in any way needed. “He’s been an integral part of our community,” Dyer said. “He’s a good and decent person who is a stand-up guy. He always works to make everything he touches better.”
No matter where he ends up, Walker always finds a way to help someone. Dyer recounted a story about Walker and his wife, Phyllis, on one of their many camping trips with their camper. “While he’s camping, he goes around helping other people fix their problems on their campers for free,” Dyer said, laughing. “He’s just one of those people you’d want to have as a next-door neighbor because he’s so kind and helpful.”
Dyer called Walker one of the “quiet people. You honest-to-gosh don’t know he’s there. He’s one of those unsung heroes and doesn’t like the limelight, but he’s always involved in helping our community. Our borough is honored to have him here.”
Walker said he’s equally honored to be recognized by his community.
Helping out is something he learned to do from a young age, thanks to observing his family members engaged in service to their community. His dad was the treasurer of the Evans City Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, which sparked Walker’s involvement in joining the ranks.
His dad also started the Junior Fire Department program at Evans City VFD, the first of its kind in Butler County. The program allowed teenagers ages 14 to 17 to become members and help out around the fire station. They weren’t allowed to go on active calls, but they could assist in other ways, Walker said.
His wife serves as the treasurer for the Evans City Public Library, so Walker gets involved any time the library is holding a fundraiser.
“I help out as an unofficial member for any organization that needs it,” he said. “I’ve never been told, ‘no thanks, we don’t need your help.’ People are always happy for the extra hand.”
Some health issues have mostly sidelined Walker from his volunteer work in the last couple of years. However, he still helps out when he can and encourages others to follow in his footsteps.
“We should all (volunteer),” Walker said. “We can’t all serve in the military, but if you donate time to coach for a Little League, or in activities to benefit the homeless, it’s all worthwhile and everyone should do it. We all have something to give to help others out.”
