Middletown Fire Co.: John Toal

Media Patch wants you to get to know your first responders and what a perfect time following all of the fire and emergency crews amazing response to Hurricane Sandy. First responders do dangerous work and Patch would like to recognize them.

This first responder missed being a firefighter after a 12 year leave of absence and enjoys the camaraderie of the Middletown Fire Company.

Name: John Toal

Age: 53

Hometown: Middletown Township

Rank/title: Firefighter and on the Board of Directors

How long have you been with the Middletown Fire Co.?

17 years

What do you like about your job?

The camaraderie and helping out the public.

What do you dislike about your job?

Getting up early in the morning.

What inspired you to become a firefighter?

I was with Springfield Fire Co. years ago and another Middletown firefighter got me to join here after a 12 year leave of absence. I came back to help out the neighborhood and community. My kids are older and I have more time now and I'd rather do this than sit and watch TV.

What do you like about the greater Media area?

There are a lot of good restaurants and there's easy access to the beaches and mountains. There's more open space here too than the Springfield, Upper Darby areas.

What do you want the general public to know about the Middletown Fire Co.?

We do a lot for the community with Santa visits, Easter Egg Hunts and family picnics. We're the only fire company that still gets cats out of trees. And the community is very responsive to us.