Joshua Bubba Wissinger, July 2024 - First Responder of the Month Honoree
Joshua Bubba Wissinger, July 2024
Joshua is a member of the Black Lick Volunteer Fire Company.
Joshua Bubba Wissinger
18 years of service
Clymer Vol Fire Company: 2006 to 2007- Junior Firefighter
Commodore Vol Fire Department: 2007 to 2012- Junior Firefighter, Firefighter, Captain
Black Lick Vol Fire Company: 2012 to Present- Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, President and Vice President
Why do you do what you do?
I think the reason I do what I do is that firefighting is a challenge. Whether it is the training, an incident or even most volunteer fire companies fundraising, there is always a challenge and for some reason I am always up for a challenge. Also do it because I enjoy helping people.
What influenced you to get into public service?
There are a couple things that have influenced me to get into the public service. My grandfather, uncle and mother were all fighters so I grew up around the fire service. So I was bound to be a firefighter because I wanted to continue that tradition. Another thing that really influenced me to get into it was watching those first responders on 9/11 risk their lives to go and help save those innocent people really made me want to do it.
What part of this service has been the most gratifying?
That feeling of helping someone when they are having their worst day.
What part of this service has been the hardest?
That feeling when you feel like you were too late to help someone. Second guessing yourself on what went wrong from your side that you couldn’t help or save that person. Another is being away from your kids and family especially on holiday’s.
What I do for a living?
I’m a Quality Control/Safety Supervisor for Jennmar Conveyors.
