Jeremy Nickl
When an emergency strikes, Jeremy Nickl, 48, of Mars, steps up to help and has been doing so for more than three decades.
He is a full-time 911 dispatcher for Butler County; and part-time paramedic for Cranberry Township EMS; a lifetime member of Adams Area Fire District in Adams Township; and as a firefighter and paramedic for Callery VFD.
His record of service includes over 32 years as a firefighter, 30 years on the ambulance service, and eight years as a 911 dispatcher. This former chief of Mars Volunteer Fire Company, before its merger to form Adams Area Fire District, has made a significant impact on the lives of many.
“Jeremy Nickl was well known by our club members, and similarly had a number of acts of bravery and long-term service to talk about,” said Thomas Kvederis, president of the Rich Mar Rotary. The club recognized Nickl as a Hometown Hero on Sept. 13.
Firefighting runs in the Nickl family. His father was a firefighter for Mars VFC, as well as his brother when Nickl joined.
“When I was 16 years old, we were at the Fourth of July parade in Mars. That is the exact moment that I decided I wanted to become a member and help out my community,” Nickl said.
Nickl credits his family for being his biggest supporters.
“There have been so many role models that I have looked up to throughout my years. My brothers have always been along my side as members,” he said. “My youngest brother, Matt Nickl, who is the current chief of Cranberry Township EMS and was the past chief of Adams Area Fire District, has been a role model and inspiration.”
He also recalls a past fire chief of Mars VFC, Mark Reighard, as one of his biggest mentors.
“Firefighting is like a brotherhood. Anytime that I have ever needed anything in my personal life, firefighters were always there to lend a helping hand,” Nickl said.
There’s no typical day for a firefighter — a varied number calls come in, ranging from days with none to days where there are three or four back-to-back.
“Being a volunteer firefighter, there aren’t set shifts,” Nickl said. “When an incident comes in, if you are available, you respond.”
Nickl is passionate about his role in the community and being there for people who may be having one of the worst days of their lives.
“Firefighting is a selfless job that many people do. I was extremely honored that there are individuals that look up to me enough to nominate me,” Nickl said.
