When the Captain Steps Back: Why One Fire Chief Called It Quits

Jarrod Emes spent years as the voice of calm during emergencies on Berks County’s roads. Dispatchers and crews knew his steady tone meant problems were under control. But behind the radio commands was a growing pile of missed meals, canceled plans, and empty chairs at family events. Volunteering as a fire chief isn’t just a title—it’s a second job that never clocks out. Emes ran drills, managed 25 volunteers, and still tried to keep his own business and home life from falling apart.The turning point came when his son moved up from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. Emes realized the hours he spent at the firehouse meant less time for birthdays and school events. Small sacrifices piled up until they felt too big to ignore. By December, he decided to step down, ending his leadership role at the start of the new year. The fire company had to find a replacement, but not everyone wanted the job. Eventually, his sister Bethany Thren took over, becoming one of the first women to lead the historic Union Fire Company No. 1 of Hamburg. Volunteer fire departments aren’t just about putting out fires anymore. Warehouses and new homes now dot the landscape, increasing the demand for emergency responses. Emes believes the system is stretched too thin. While he handled hundreds of calls each year, basic home tasks like mowing the lawn or organizing the garage kept getting postponed. The role no longer fit his life, so he chose to walk away.